Codec Problem

Hi, I'm having trouble playing AVIs and WMVs, the video keeps appearing in a mosaic affect (sort of like when a satellite channel gets blocked).

My first thought would be a codec issue. I've download VLC media player and the Classic Media player, as previously, these programs seemed to play any file I threw at them.

But I still can't play the videos files, I'm pretty sure I need a certain codec, but how do I know which one I need? I've been to free-codecs.com and downloaded nearly all of the "codec packs" they have available. I've also got the latest version of DivX Player and Quicktime.

I'm stumped, any ideas?
Thanks.

Is this a new problem? Were things working OK previously? Any new hardware and or software?

If this is a new problem try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem:

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore


Downloading Codec Packs is not always a good idea. I would uninstall all of them and start from scratch.

If I had to pick one I would go with the K-Lite Codec Pack:

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/...Codec_Pack.htm


Do you have any other graphics problem when using the computer? What about streaming video?