Will give that a go as well. I personally think it is explorer that's the problem, I thought it should have a winsock file, but can't find it.
http://www.astonsoft.com/downloads/wsock.zipWinsock is a freeware utility, designed to restore original Windows 98/2000 socket files, winsock.dll and wsock32.dll. Some very malicious viruses/trojans (such as Matrix, Hybris, Happy 99) replace these files with their own and thus prevent user from using anti-virus software, block email sending and block some webpages. The user of so badly infected PC usually can not do anything, even ask for a help, as email sending is blocked.
You need Winsock restore if:
You can not visit certain website
Can not write emails to certain adresses
Your antivirus software is blocked and won't start
Outgoing emails with attached viruses are being sent without your intervention.
This program automatically recognizes Windows 98 or Windows 2000 and restores the respective files to original condition.
Use with care.
If it does not work, overinstall Windows.
You you won't lose your programs, settings, data, files, etc.
Install Windows 'over' the old installation, without format.