window internet will not load

[e]

when I click on the e icon or the e through the start button, the screen
flashes on then off. It acts as though it will connect to the internet, but
my screen doesn't change.

 

[philo]

when I click on the e icon or the e through the start button, the screen
flashes on then off. It acts as though it will connect to the internet, but
my screen doesn't change.

I'd scan your system with a good virus checker that's been recently updated
....as a precaution...

Also:

Try a system restore
and bring your machine back to a state prior to when the problem began

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx