Hello Asyn, bob3160 - I hope you've had a good weeke and are looking forward to the weekend.
I had given my laptop to my friend yesterday and he returned it today after re-installing the OS. That seems to have solved the problem. So, as you had guessed, the problem was likely with the OS.
Thank you to both of you for having taken the time out to help a complete stranger. Like I had said, it was big of you.
Thank you again, and I hope you have a very good weekend.