Unable to load MS update and Add/Remove programs

I noticed a bloodhound virus had been quarrantined and removed from my laptop so I thought I would ensure that the latest microsoft updates were up to date. I was initially able to load MS update and selected express install. They all seemed to download but hung on the installation. Since then I have not been able to load MS update; it just hangs on a white page. I have to use task manager to close IE. Occasionally, when I switch the laptop off, it will say it is installing 1 of 6 updates but it just hangs for hours.

In addition, I tried to check add/remove programs to see if any of the updates were listed as having been installed. It fails to populate.

I have run Symantec anti-virus and Malwarebytes anti-malware scans and both have failed to pick up any infections.

Is anybody able to advise. I may be in the wrong section!

Thanks.