No longer able to play video from news web page after Updates

After performing my regular updates, I can no longer get the the javascript
pop-up videos to play (like from my default web page news cast). the new
window pops up, butdoes not launch Media player.. just have an "x" in the
upper left corner.
last updates performed were:
Kb921883 (windows), 918899 (explorer) , 917422 (windows), 920670 (windows),
920683 (windows), 921398 ,(windows) 922616 (windows),

My IE version is:
Explorer 6.0.2900.2180.xpsp.060210-1526

Windows XP (Home) SP2

Windows Media Player 10.00.00.4036

Tried to look for any parameters to change without success so far.. tried
with and without firewall on, etc..

Anyone can help?
(If I open WMP manually and get it to open the property link from that
newscast,, it works..)

tks