Cannot open program links

I am having problems with my Windows Vista x64 Dell laptop and have no clue as to what it is.

I cannot update Windows - when I click on Update, the screen flashes and then does nothing and nothing comes up. The computer does not freeze, it's as if the command went off to dreamland - the screen remains unchanged.

It does this same thing for Windows systems links and Norton Internet Security. Skype also cannot connect now and I don't think that is a coincidence.

What the heck is going on? Any time I try to find out something that might be wrong, I cannot access the information because left or right clicking on the links do absolutely nothing!

What should I do?

Thanks!
Dctgf

Could very well be a virus
Run a full anti virus scan. Id say update but you most likely cant.
If you can, download Malwarebytes and make a scan, too.

I'd run my norton anti virus but it nothing happens when I click on the link!

Really does sound like a virus, try in safe mode

Try going to the program in your Computer C:Program Files folder Don't use any shortcut and see if that works, could be shortcuts have become corrupted.