can't manage add-ons in IE8

[tape]

Clean install of XPpro not long ago. IE7 worked well to update all my windows stuff. Installed latest Firefox (default browser of choice). When I ran IE7 for further updates, I get message I have my add-ons disabled, but when I try to manage them, I see they are all enabled. I am prevented from downloading any updates since I must install Active-X, but unable to download since I am told my add-ons disabled, ete. etc. Switched default browser back to IE and updated to IE8. Switched back Foxfire to default and now get that add-on disabled message whenever I use IE. I tried a suggestion of running IExplore from the START>RUN area and then I was able to download and install Active-X for updates, but when I reboot, I get the old add-ons disabled message when I fire up IE. Something is not right, but I am unsure how to fix w/o making IE my default browser. Any help is greatly appreciated.