Quote Originally Posted by iresqu View Post
Java(TM) plug-in Control Panel
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition 1.4.2_03
Default Virtual Machine Version 1.4.2_03-b02
Java(TM) Plug-in 1.4.2_03
This may very well be at least part of your problem. Your java is way out of date.
First you should go to Start, Control Panel, Add/Remove and uninstall all versions of Java that you find.

Next you need to go to SunJava Manual Download
Download a new version of java which now is version Version 6 Update 2.
I usually recommend using that second choice which allows you to download and save the file and then install while off line. Once you have the new version installed, reboot the computer and then go to this page Verify Installation
to be certain that your new verison is installed and running.
Once you have done that then see if you can access your online brokerage acct.
Judy