Clear the cache and the cookies from sites that cause problems.

• "Clear the Cache": Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Offline Storage (Cache): "Clear Now"
• "Remove the Cookies" from sites causing problems: Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies: "Show Cookies"

Start Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to check if one of the add-ons is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Themes).

• Don't make any changes on the Safe mode start window.

See:

• Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems
• Troubleshoot issues with plugins like Flash or Java to fix common Firefox problems

If it does work in Safe-mode then disable all extensions and then try to find which is causing it by enabling one at a time until the problem reappears.

• Use "Disable all add-ons" on the Safe mode start window to disable all extensions.
• Close and restart Firefox after each change via "File > Exit" (Mac: "Firefox > Quit"; Linux: "File > Quit")

thank you everyone for your offers to help. I'm frustrated beyond words. It drives me crazy that I know so little. I can't even find the "Tools", etc. to begin the process you've suggested.

The "Files, Edit, View, Favorites, Tools, Help" that are so readily visable on IE are no where to be found on my version of Firefox, nor do I have a clue how to access them.

• In Firefox 3.6 versions on Windows and Firefox 4 on Windows and Linux it's possible to hide the "Menu Bar" via "View > Toolbars" or via the right-click context menu of a toolbar.
• Press F10 or press and hold the Alt key down to bring up the "Menu Bar" temporarily.
• Go to "View > Toolbars" or right-click the "Menu Bar" or press Alt+V T to select which toolbars to show or hide (click on an entry to toggle the state).

See also:

• Restore the Menu bar in Firefox
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Toolbar_customization

Thanks everyone for your help. As you can see, I'm not the most accomplished at the "mechanics" of a computer :). I have now managed to "find" my tools, etc. again AND have deleted the cookies, etc. as instructed, but that didn't fix the captcha problem. I'm now waiting for more experienced help to try the remedy/remedies suggested via "SAFE MODE". I truly appreciate everyone's efforts. It's wonderful to know you are out there willing to help those of us less skilled. I'll let you know if and when I finally get this problem solved. HAPPY NEW YEAR to each of you !!!!