Multiple errors

I am trying to download the Internet Explorer 6.0 updates. I encounter
numerous errors whenever I try to update my computer.

1.) When I try to download anything, Windows Update first needs to verify
that everything is up-to-date on my computer. So I go to the Windows Update
page, and I get this "Checking for the latest version of the Windows Update
software...", and it never goes away. I have Windows Update set to update my
computer automatically. I have gone through about 3 or 4 different
suggestions from this board and from various places on Microsoft.com, but
none of the suggestions work. (i.e. going to the "Windows Update Log" and
finding the errors there, running various different commands in the "Run"
command in my Start menu, etc.)

2.) When I can finally get to the place to download the "Download Internet
Explorer 6 Service pack 1" and I click "Download," I get the following error:
"ie6wzd.exe - Entry Point Not Found: The procedure entry point
InternetGetConnectedState could not be located in the dynamic link library
wininet.dll" about 8 times (this same error pops up about 8 times. Then I
get the error: "Windows Update Setup: A previous installation has pending
work requiring a reboot. You need to restart your computer to complete that
installation before running Internet Explorer Setup. Setup will now close" -
which only pops up once. Then the "ie6wzd.exe" error (same as above) pops up
about 3-4 more times. I have rebooted about 10 times, and everytime I try
the process again, I get the same errors in the same order.

I have gone through numerous walkthroughs online and also emailed the
Microsoft help desk (where they guarantee a response in 1 business day), but
I have never received a response from them.

I have downloaded the updates for Internet Explorer 6 service pack 1 for one
of our computers (the older one), but I can't seem to get it to work for our
newer computer. Please help! I am going crazy with this...