Windows 7: "Open containing folder" and "Copy" greyed

Hello all,
I have seen posts about this problem but was unable to find an answer. I am running Firefox 3.6.17 on Windows 7 Pro 64x. When downloading files from the Internet I am unable to "Open" or "Open the containing folder", in other words I can't get to the download. I am running the free version of Zone Alarm and use free AVG anti-virus. I don't recall changing anything in those programs recently. It seems like all the sudden I am not able to download content any longer. It has worked fine in the past. This is a homebuilt machine. What would be the things to try, either in the antivirus or firewall if there were setting changes made there? Barring that are there any other things I could try?
Thanks in advance for all the help.
Coal

Is there any reason you are still running version 3.6.17 when version 9.0.1 is the latest? Just curious. It could be something that might be causing your problem.

Thanks for the speedy reply! Thanks for the tips although it was working fine before without having the upgrade. Of course the problem now is I can't download the patch because of the scenario outlined in the original post. Any other thoughts?
Thanks again,
Coal

I thought it might be 2 firewalls conflicting but I have changed to the new free Zone Alarm and when you install it Windows firewall is disabled. Any one else have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.