W98SE/anytime I click on a news story that is offered with video and play the video, I can't get out of that site, can't close IE, can't shut down computer. Total freeze. After re-booting, all is fine until the next time I try to play a web-based video.

Sorry for the delay in response. I was off-line for a couple of weeks.

Try running the IE repair utility. (I'm going by memory here.) Control Panel, System, Tools, IE Repair. You may be asked to insert your 98 CD.

You could also try removing/reinstalling the media player you use, or upgrading it to a higher version if available.