@pblahut
I think answer the first 2 of Asyn's questions were contained in your OP, but can you please state the actual version of Avast you have installed, even if it is the latest download, for information.
Do you have any other Antimalware/Antivirus programs installed or old ones or trials that have not been properly removed from your machine?
Another thing to try is Repair Avast via User Interface Menu>Settings>Troubleshooting>[REPAIR APP]
I would also give your machine a couple of Restarts (not just shutdown/startup) for good measure.