ie won’t dowload

internet explorer won’t download files from a number of sites, but netscape does. IE downloads from Windows Update site works. IE goes directly to the file download progress window and skips the files download dialog window (skips “save to disk or run from here” window)I have tried everything I can think of, even reinstalling. Cleared cache, temp files, hosts files, checked with different ISP’s performed tracert and ping, cleared IE keys in registry,etc. Running Win98 1st ed. Any ideas!!! Microsoft support and KB unable to find solution. Would like to avoid WIn98 reinstall.