I'm stuck in the Failed Installation Loop

Hi,
I wanted to update my Windows. I went to Windows update, and it told me I
needed to download and install the following:

Update for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) 2.0 and WinHTTP
5.1 (KB842773)
Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1

Then, I was notified that the installations failed:

“Failed Updates
For help installing an update successfully, see the solution under each
problem description.�

The site told me to see the solution under a problem description, but there
was no problem description.

“Problem: Please check your update history for a description.
ï‚· Update for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) 2.0 and WinHTTP
5.1 (KB842773)
 Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1�

I was told to check the problems by looking at my update history, but was
told I do not have a history because I did not successfully install any
updates.

“You have not yet installed updates from this website or by turning on
automatic updating on your computer. To select and install updates now, go to
our Home page.�

I was told to go the homepage to download updates, but, as my computer will
not allow the installation of updates, I am unable to use Windows Update.

Please advise, please. I use Windows 2000 and IE6.0.

Thank you.