Most likely it's a codec issue. The easiest solution would be to download windows media player 10.

As to your previous question, I'd visit a local computer shop. You'll end up paying less for a better system + if something goes wrong it will be much easier for them (or any other computer store) to fix. Prebuilt computers (Dell, HP, Compaq,) can be absolute hell to fix. Don't even get me started on e-Machines. In my experience, they charge very little more than what you could buy the parts for and will put it all together for $90 or so.

 

Off the shelf i would go with HP, i always had bad experiences with Dell..

 

This is kindof a funny thread and I just had an interesting reflection...for past 5 yrs or so I've been surrounded by DELL/Compaq/white box PCs. People who know me consider me a go-to guy when it comes to fixing or rescuing Win PCs and laptops. You could call me a self-taught IBM/PC/MS expert. I swear my next plate's gonna say "REBOOT".

On the other hand when I'm at work, I spend a lot of time working with/discussing/planning Linux applications. The simple fact that the professional & commercial world does not have to constantly "fiddle" with their Linux based programs pays my bills.
Funny thing is...I know very little about troubleshooting and fixing Linux-based servers and workstations. My experience is virtually zero because it always works.

Sorry for tangent but it goes back to original post... kick the PC habit to curb and get a Mini-MAC.

 

I'd get an iMac. It will mesh with whatever your wife has at work fine, the OS is stable and doesn't get spyware or viruses, and - most importantly - Apple's native iLife software will do everything you need it to and its super easy to use. Added plus - the thing looks cool.

I use Windows, Mac and Linux, and by far Apple's software is the best, and since my personal computers are Macs, my next plate will probably say "RUNTIME". It doesn't really matter where you get a Windows PC, since the hardware is all pretty much the same - the weak link is the Windows OS, which Dells, Gateways, and home builts all have.

 

certain dells are OK, but don't get the cheapo celeron systems. they are very slow and generally totally un-upgradable.

dell used to cater to enthusiasts in the early to mid 90s. They were THE premium PC builder along with gateway. Now, both companies cater to price-buyers. on their cheap systems, dell can build systems cheaper than I can (with a legit copy of windows), but they grossly overcharge on their high end systems.

 

I have a Dell at work. I haven't turned it off in over 3 years. Works like a champ.

I have a real sleeper at home. Medion from Germany. I bought it through Aldi's during one of their sales. Laugh at me all you want but that thing has been bulletproof. When you call their tech support a person answers and says "How may i help you" I had a power surge in my house blow out some electronics, they overnighted a new power supply even though it was outside their 2 year warranty. All the internals are name brand stuff like Asus motherboards, Nvidia video cards,Sony drives and Hitachi hard drives. A couple years ago my computer was $799 for a 2.66 P4. The nearest competiton for the same thing was $1300-$1500