Windows 7 Update Error . . . the service is not running

I’m running Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows update will not run, stating the service is not running, which it is as I checked it in services. Did a scan for malware/adware/spyware/virus with several different and reliable applications, nothing. I have started/stopped the service, updated the registration of the dll file, still will not work. Any ideas?
Thank you in advance.