Alternative: Download and install both Adaware and Spybot Search & Destroy. Run each (clicking their internal "check for updates" buttons first) and make sure you don't have any spyware/adware/malware mucking up your IE.
Another alternative: In IE, click on Tools/Internet Options. Under Temporary Internet Files, click on Delete Files and check the offline content box. When it finishes, close IE and open IE again and see if you still have a problem.