AVG's Magic Act

Hello friends! I need some help clarifying what is almost becoming a superstition :confused... Let me explain:
A couple of weeks ago, I downloaded AVG's free antivirus software, AVG 8.0, and it began working just fine making me and my PC feel "protected".
Suddenly, a few days after installation, I noticed to my surprise that "There are no active components"; my AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition screen was empty, even though I had updated all the components and they seemed to be working properly just the night before. I also noticed that there was still the AVG icon next to the clock in the bottom right corner of the computer screen, but no AVG (?). What's wrong?!?
I tried reinstalling the program (a few times) and, again, it seemed to be working fine but repeatedly dissapears after a few hours of installation and the computer reports not being protected by any antivirus software...
Can anyone help? I have Windows XP Professional
I will highly appreciate any light you can shed in my direction, thanx.

 

Thanks, Mark (it's nice to meet you), I will give it a try...