This sounds to me like you don't have Java installed - most of the games such as the ones you describe use Java as a runtime platform, it means they can function in any environment, be it browser or operating system, as long as Java is installed to interpret and run them. However, due to licensing and copyright issues, Microsoft no longer ships Java as standard with its OS. To get Java, head to the http://java.com site and click download, or click here: http://java.com/en/download/download_the_latest.jsp - clicking on download will initiate the remote installation app, which downloads only the bits of Java it needs (it's quicker than a full download and installation). If you have problems, go to the Manual Download page and follow the instructions (the Manual Download feature is also handy if you want to download the entire installer to move across to a computer that's not connected to the Internet, if you ever had to for some reason). Once you're done, be SURE to tighten up your browser security again - the same feature that lets you run those remote installation apps from the Java site are also a huge security hole for malicious sites to try and install spyware/malware onto your machine via means of remote execution (ever seen one of those "Get free icons for your instant messenger" or "free weather indicator for your taskbar" popups, asking you to click yes? Well, that's what I'm on about. By tightening your security to AT LEAST medium (high is preferred), you'll help to avoid getting stung. Once Java's installed, it has separate Security preferences which you can configure per-application. Oh, and don't forget to raise your firewall again (I forgot once, oops). :) [edit] ladyrocke commented: I'm a computer dummy! how can I tell if this is the problem? My response is that this almost definitely WILL be your problem - I tried out the Yahoo Pool game, and it does use Java. Because I have Java loaded, it loaded up the Java Runtime (and showed the little Java coffee cup icon in the taskbar) - if you don't have Java, it won't load it, it will just show a red X until you install the Java Runtime Engine from the above sun.com URL. [/edit]