Sounds like it could be a virus/worm or else some bad spyware. Can you run a virus scan and spyware scan on it? Ad Aware is a good one for spyware. I use the free version of AntiVir for virus scanning and it is a good virus detection program but you have to be able to get on the net to d/l it.

If all else fails can you put your pictures on a disk and perhaps take it in or have someone come look at it? Hope you are able to get some help. I know how nervewracking it can be to have computer problems.