Cannot change printer properties

Hello all,

I have the following problem:
When i go to 'printers and fax-machines' i can't change printer properties
and or preferences. I had this problem with my last printer (HP) and i was
hoping that it would be gone when i bought a new (Canon) printer, but sadly
it didn't. Printer works fine, but i cant get into the properties to change
settings.
When i try to select printer properties, nothing happens.
When i try to select printer preferences i get an error message: can't
complete action (translated from Dutch, so i don't know the exact message
in English).
I've tried to uninstall and reinstall the drivers, searched in Google
(noticed that it is a problem that more people have), but so far no
solution.
I use Windows XP Home, 3th service pack.

Can anybody help?

Thanks in advance.
Iwan