When it all started, I did a system restore to the earliest point i could, it was ok for a few minutes then went back to the same problem.
There wasn't any software installed just before the problem started.
And I have tried the scanner you suggested but it can back with 'no threats'.
I'm starting to lose the will to live here, I can't find anyone on any forum that has a simiar problem to me regarding this and although I really appreciate the help that has been suggested, nothing seems to work.
As much as I'd prefer not to, I'm becoming more and more tempted to go back to XP
Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.