Its Probably an infection...A rootkit..
Use this as an anti-rootkit and report back if something is found..

Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool...

Use the following Anti-Malware\viruses, they're free, good and recommended, there's no need actually to spend money buying one:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.36...

@ JEnnie 106 - Your problem may be related to your profile/account not having Administrator rights or some program which may be pre-programmed to restrict your rights over the net...Ask your husband...

Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBA-M) (http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol) to your Desktop.

* DoubleClick mbam-setup.exe and...

Ypu are facing these problems most probably because you are not the 'Administrator'....
To check:

#Open Command Prompt (Start/All Programs/Accessories/command prompt) and type 'net user'

You...

Yes, that would be much wiser coz SP2 still has many security holes which have been patched up in SP3...

You sure about the 1 ghz processor?? I don't think so :|

As far as firewalls are concerned, 'Zonealarm' is the best in the market...there are many others, if you are an experienced user then use 'Winpooch Watchdog' its not exactly a firewall but a watchdog...