Windows media files and cursor problem

OK. I posted about this earlier in the spyware section, and got some crap off my computer, but the original symptons persist, so apparently its a software issue. Anyway, Windows media files from the internet stopped playing via internet explorer and the yahoo browser i have. They do play in windows media player however. When i right click on the file and go to error details it says "Windows media player cannot play the file. If the file is located on the internet, connect to the internet. If the file is located a removable storage card, insert the storage card." I know I am connected to the internet, and experience this on any site with a windows media file. Real and quicktime seem to work however. I have windows media player 10 (dont know if that matters or not) and internet explorer 6.
Also, possibly related as it started around the same time, my cursor blinks the small hourgalss about every 5 seconds continuously, regardless of whether I'm running anything. It was at regular intervals, but now seems to be more sporadic. Also, this problem goes away in safe mode, for some reason, or when the cursor changes from the arrow to the text cursor or the hand (sorry, i dont know the proper names.) Anyway, these arent vital issues, but any help would be appreciated. thanks.

 

First make sure you have all the latest updates for ie 6:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.mspx

The same for wmp(have you already done this?)

smells like a wmp problem....

 

ok. I checked the microsoft udate. There were two for office and outlook, but nothing for internet explorer. I checked for windows media player updates, but didnt see any for that either. also, the cursor problem seems to have gone away (I have no idea why or if it'll come back, but its gone.)