Thanks so much guys. Good points on interpreting pathping - yes they all do get through to hops down the line! Thanks for that link Sephiroth.
I've tried different browsers but I will retry later when I get home - I use Chrome v.3.0.something. I'll try with IE/Firefox. I use Nod32 antivirus and Comodo personal firewall (Windows firewall disabled). I don't have any anti-malware proggys running. I believe I tried disabling the firewall and antivirus with no effect but again, will try again later - and I'll update flash & Java too.
I have a Dell Vostro 1000 laptop running Vista Home Premium.
I've connected to 'other'
wireless networks around me at home with no success also. I tried to set up a Ubuntu install in VirtualBox but couldn't get it working (thought I'd see whether it was a Windows thing). Also had no luck setting up a dual boot when I tried some time ago, I think there is some issues with my laptop vs. Linux.
Thanks again.