It seems like one of your add-ons is causing problems.
Open IE. Go Tools>Internet Options>Advanced tab, and click on "Reset" button.
This will reset your IE to its default settings, and all add-ons will be disabled.
If IE works OK now, you can start enabling add-ons, but one-by-one, until you'll find the culprit.
My vote would go for either Google, or Yahoo toolbars, if you have them installed.