2000 Windows Update Problem

I have been trying to update my Windows, Internet Explorer, and Office but
when I click on Windows Update in the Start Menu it goes to an error page in
Internet Explorer like there is no internet connection. I have tried going
through Microsoft.com but even if I click on one of these links (windows
update or even office updates) it goes to the same error page. It is acting
like there is now Installer/download program installed but I am not sure how
to go about fixing it. Just a little more information: It is Windows 2000
SP4 with Internet Explorer 6.0. When you look at the task manager,
explorer.exe is using 40-50% of the cpu until I end the process. When I run
new process - explorer.exe - then it goes down to 0-1% like it should be. I
don't know if that has anything to do with the updates but if I could get
help with both problems, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Dan