Windows 7: Preview and display pane problems

I have a wierd problem working with office 2010 on awin 7 32 bit OS.
When i insert a picture in powerpoint 2010, i get the explorer interface with navigation panel, details panel and preview panel...however when i select a file no details are displayed in the detaisl pane nor any preview can be seen in the preview pane.

In windows explorer when i click on a picture i can view its details and prevew the same. Even more wierd is the fact that i can view the details in the details pane and see the preview in the preview pane when i insert pictures into ohter office documents word and excel

Is there anything i can try to restore the preview and details via powerpoint? It's just so annoying!!