do you have a restore disk set? Did any come with the Laptop?

Or it should be under warranty still?
If so use that option first just in case it is a hard ware problem/glitch.

If you download a lot of programs or get a lot of FWd emails, spam, or sign up on many websites for stuff - you may have gotten a virus of some sort.

If so you might need to do a restore of your Operating system files.

I was able to reorder some HP restore disks only about 18.00.

But check in to the warranty coverage first.