Sounds like malware may have disabled it with registry settings. Assuming
you have antivirus installed make sure it is up to date with definitions
[this usually happens automatically] and run a full computer scan. When done
with that download and install the free Malwarebytes malware removal tool
and allow the option to update itself. Then run a quick scan and if and
settings are found to be implementd that should not be let the program fix
them.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/ -- download free version of malwarebytes here

Steve

"Julie" wrote in message
...
I am unable to block popups in IE v.7.
When I attempt to check the box under Tools/Options/Privacy settings, the
checkmark will not stay. Also popup blocker settings are greyed out when
I
just click on Tools/Popup Blocker.