Hi Alan, hope the following information is of assistance.
If you are using Spybot S&D, disable the option:
"Lock IE control panel against opening from within IE"
This restriction can also be caused by spyware. Update your spyware program and
check your system on a regular basis.
Spyware Programs links:- www.lavasoftusa.com Ad-Aware www.security.kolla.de Spybot