Next time, could you check the address bar for a plugin notification icon? It usually to the left of the site address and looks like a small Lego block. Click that and it should indicate what plugin the page is using, or it might say that you are missing a plugin.

When I look at your More System Details, I don't see Java, which some sites use for chat. Do you know whether your Java plugin is disabled or isn't installed at all? You can check on the Add-ons page. Either:

• Ctrl+Shift+a
• "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Plugins. Then look for:

Java(TM) Platform SE 8 U25

And see whether it is set to "Never Activate". That prevents sites from using it, so consider using "Ask to Activate" so you can give sites permission on a case-by-base basis.

If it's completely missing, here is the download page: http://java.com/en/download/windows_xpi.jsp

Note: During installation, there is a screen with a pre-checked option to add the Ask toolbar and Ask web search. You probably want to UNCHECK those if you like your current web search provider.

I'm not certain I've solved my problem, but you taught me a few things. I did install Java. My PC is new, and I'm still finding these little bugaboos that I took for granted.

thanks a lot for your considerate response.