Windows 7: Problem with downloading files and video buffering

Lately whenever I try to retrieve files from file hosting websites the "open/save" window wont appear and neither will the download progress (I'm using Firefox but I've tried it with other browsers and got the same problem). All it says on the tab is "Connecting" and apparently the file downloads if I leave it alone then the "open/save" window appears and it gets saved instantly.

Basically there's no monitoring of the downloads.

Also, there's a problem with flash video playback, only YouTube works but any other streaming videos from other sites don't buffer, it just sits at 0%.



I've already run scans and removed any adware, malware, etc. but it still hasn't fixed this "glitch". I've reinstalled Adobe Flash and Java as well and now I'm just stumped.