I tried updating from WMP version 10 to version 11, but that didn't fix it. I also installed the newest codecs from MS (file name is WM9Codecs.exe). Near the end of the install of the new codecs I got a message that said "Microsoft Media Technology" wasn't compatible with this version (or something like that). But, at the end of the install of the new codecs, I got another message saying the install completed and that I needed to reboot. The pc rebooted fine. The new codecs didn't fix it either.
As a side note, I uninstalled WMP 11 and during the process all my restore points vanished. I had planned on restoring to a point prior to the recent install of WMP after I had uninstalled it, but all the restore points were gone.
I installed VLC Media Player and it has the same problem.
I have the latest video driver from Intel for: Mobile Intel 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family (via Device Manger - Display adapters)
It has been over a month since I played a video file and I don't remember everything that I have changed on the pc since the last time I played one, but here are some changes I do remember:
Installed Jungle Disk (A front end for using Amazon's S3 web based storage.). Un-installed Zone Alarm free firewall. Updated Adobe Reader. Installed and uninstalled trial of IP Traffic Monitor 2.2. Updated my password manager. Updated Firefox.
If anyone has heard of this problem and knows how to fix it, I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for any help you can give. - Joe
Win XP, Home SP 2, all critical updates