I notice an URGENT upgrade patch was issued for the Inspiron 1545 with Windows 7 O/S in March last year, - to cure problems on Video, especially movie playback.
Albeit this is not directly related to iplayer do you have this patch.
http://support.euro....anConsent=FalseObviously I could not personalize the updates to your computer only being able to check for the Inspiron 1545
It makes a funny high pitched screechy noise
from the speakers I presume and NOT from the computer - ie the fan.
Having checked your updates on the Dell site, I think at this stage I would look at the Add-ons in IE8 that is Tools on the menu bar, Manage Add-ons. I would then disable any unwanted toolbars and extensions and accelerators.
See how it is then.
If this proves unsuccessful please post back and we will investigate further.
Edited by Macboatmaster, 23 February 2011 - 06:42 PM.