Internet Explorer cannot display the web page

[02bin3]

Recently I have not been able to get into the following government websites:  http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.house.gov/writerep/, http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm, http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.vermont.gov/governor/contact.html, http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm
I have sent these hyperlinks to friends and asked them to try to get in and they have had no problems.  Only government websites seem to be a problem for my computer and this is only within the past week or so.  I can't recall that I have downloaded anything other than XP updates.  When this started I thought maybe I was having a problem with Internet Explorer and reinstalled version 7 with its updates and I still can't get into the above sites.  Thanks to anyone who may have the answer.

[patio]

What security/protection apps do you have on that machine ? ?

[Spoiler]

Have you tried to connect right to the site?

For example....
Not...
http://origins.usa.gov/external/external.jsp?url=http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm

But use this....
http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm

[02bin3]

To Patio:
I have Norton Anti Virus, Lavasoft Adware, SpyBlaster and whatever comes with Windows XP plus updates.

To:  Spoiler:
Thanks for your suggestion.  I tried the one that you had suggested and it worked, but when I tried breaking down the other 3 links the same way, they wouldn't work.
                   Thanks for your responses,

[patio]

Check and see if your Norton install includes a Firewall...

[02bin3]

Dear Patio,
    No Firewall, just plain old Norton Anti-virus.  However, this afternoon I tried to download an update for IE and the security update would not load.  Cumulative security Update of IE7 for Windows XP (KB956390)  Tried 4 times and it was a no go.  I tried all of their suggestions that I could understand and nothing worked so I guess I will call them tomorrow.  Their Error Code: 0x80242006, wasn't listed anywhere on their list of possible error codes and remedies.
                      many thanks,

[patio]

OK.
Hoping it wouldn't come to this but since you don't have a firewall blocking the site  Travel Here...  and follow the instructions as you are probably infected.

Don't let all the info overwhelm you just take it one step at a time.
And be patient. Our Experts are a bit busy at this time but trust me...it's worth both the time and effort.

[02bin3]

Dear Patio,
     I am sorry if I mis-understood you.  I do have a Windows Firewall but not one that is associated with Norton.  My computer is also up to date on every Microsoft update possible plus all the Service Packs. 
               Thanks.............

[patio]

no mis-understanding at all...      windows firewall doesn't block outgoing traffic...

It's safe to follow the link i provided.