cannot "connect" to server malware/virus?

So I can connect to the internet and even download a file through torrent (have been working on it 4 awhile). but i cannot open a browser (says cannot display page...) I've tried so many things, fixes a few things I found in other forums, I am so irritated. I run amd athlon64 xp home w/office 2003. i also have problems with slow download speeds which is how it all started. i cant update anything, (thank you 4 having the updates available 4 manual install). i can although connect to google by using the direct ip address, cant think of it off hand, but i can search and come up with results, although to my dismay, i cant open the pages 4 the results. Please help, I need my pc to work so I can start an at home career. I have almost $2,000 invested into it, and far from being done. Cant check this everyday being as how this is not my pc lol. (Worst timing possible I'm studying visual C++ from microsoft.