Turns out there was a problem with my audiodg.exe file.  Though I'm still sure how the setting got whacked, the simple unchecking of a box fixed everything.  Thank goodness.  Thank you google.
I have a dell 1545 laptop running IE 8 under Windows 7, and I have a problem that is absolutely baffling. Here's what I've done so far: In additon, I don't know if this is related or not but I suspect it is, my Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) software no longer connects from the laptop and I can't hear iTunes on the laptop.  I am just baffled.  Any advice or next steps will be most appreciated.  
IE Won't Close and won't play Videos