Let me add to the list of tips to try:
Most browser hijack programs rely on something being in the start page box in the IE settings. If you leave it blank sometimes their garbage pages won't appear.
Also, I second the virus scan, spyware and adware scan, and trojan scan. Those pests can really create a mess.
Also, if you can't afford to buy an antivirus program.
AVG Antivirus is a very good Windows based virus scanner and it is totally free (the program and the updates).
Or if you are an avid-Dos user F-Prot Antivirus has a free Dos virus scanner. I think it might be detect and removal but I'm not sure. But it comes in handy if you can't boot into windows because of a bad virus. You can make a bootable cd that'll run on startup. I only wish other tools were this handy and didn't rely on windows so much.
Anyway, good luck.
And don't forget to update your Windows and Browser files by using
www.windowsupdate.com .