Here's the basic information about my system (I'm not sure what might important, so I've included all of it):

-Dell Inspiron 531

-AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+  2.60GHz

-2046 MB Memory

-32-bit operating system

-Windows Vista (I'm pretty sure I have the Home Basic)

My problem began when I was downloading some updates yesterday.  I downloaded an update for Firefox (and I'm pretty sure this was finished before the problem started).  Then, an update for iTunes/Quicktime started.  I believe it was having some issues with my virus protection (Kaspersky), and it essentially froze, so I stopped the update and shut the computer down.

When I restarted it, the computer took an incredibly long time (several minutes) to load after the login screen.  When it finally finished loading, I got a message that said "Failed to connect to a Windows Service." It specied that this service is the System Event Notification Service and that I should check the System Event Log for more information.

When I tried to check the System Event Log, it said that the System Event Service isn't running.  I tried to start it as an Administrator and it still wouldn't work.

In addition, my computer will not connect to the internet as it no longer recognizes the fact that it is plugged in to a modem.  I've tried unplugging/turning off the modem as well as using a new cord between the modem and computer and the computer still says there are no available networks.  (All of the lights on the modem are lit and I don't believe it's the internet service that is the issue, but rather the computer.)

(I am currently on a computer in my place of work, which is why I'm able to connect to the internet at this time.)

Any suggestions?

Is there a possibility that I'll have to reformat my hard drive?  (I just moved a few months ago and a lot of the computer stuff is still packed away, meaning I have no idea where the necessary discs might be.)

I'd really appreciate any help/suggestions that anyone might be able to give.  Thanks!