I have Internet connectivity, but I can`t open either Firefox or IE, windows just sits there with the waiting circle (the hourglass replacement) constantly spinning. Also when I go to shut down windows freezes at the log off screen. I installed a new driver recently for the HP media reader, but I`m not sure if that is causing the problem. If it is how can I roll back the driver. Or is the problem something different either way how can I fix it. Thanks.

This isn't the best practice, but you can force shutdown by holding down your power button for more than 4 seconds. Four seconds are longer than most folks think--just press it and hold it and see what happens.I can't tell what your issue is--it may be the driver, but it could be something else as well. It is worth trying a restart to see whether it is repeatable.

I've tried restarting but I still have the same problem. I have been doing the force shutdown to get it to shut down.

Ok...it's working now. It wasn't working at all yesterday, but now for no reason at all it's working.