Steve wrote:
P.S. Videos have worked in the past if I recell, although I don't know
what has changed in the meantime. I'm a software developer and a lot
has been installed lately!


I use the K-lite codec pack, an all in one solution which includes
versatile players such as media player classic.

If you are installing/uninstalling programs as often as you state,
system restore points are critical to being able to keep known good
positions, to prevents situations just like this!

That said, this is just troubleshooting there is no assurance this is
where your trouble lies.

Run DirectX diagnostics, see if directdraw, directshow and other basic
interfaces are functioning.