hs_err_pid...log file pops up on desktop when trying to access many internet sites

THANKS in advance SO MUCH for you help + interest. The whole problem began when we tried to download "Track Pass" from Nascar.com Well, midway through the download, the window closed (booted out of every existing window) and a file appeared on the desktop beginning with hs_err_pid4 then a 10-12 digit number. The number is different each time it happens. These log files are openable in MS word. They are each 699 bytes in size. We have powerlink cable service, which doesn't get interrupted. We get this problem now each time I try to get to the Adelphia powerlink homepage, play a game from yahoo games, or pogo.com games. This has also occurred on other websites not related to games, such as bisquick.com attempting to access a recipe. The window closes, and the hs_err_pid thing appears on the desktop. I have emailed nascar.com questioning them what happened. Received no response. Actually it claimed after I sent the question that not all questions are answered. This made me decide to post on the Nascar.com message board. So far, no one has commented on a similar experience. We have Windows ME, and use Microsoft IE. When I open the hs_err_pid4...log files: I get a message that says this:

Unexpected Signal : EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION occurred at PC=0x686f3e
Function name=(N/A)
Library=(N/A)

NOTE: We are unable to locate the function name symbol for the error
     just occurred. Please refer to release documentation for possible
     reason and solutions.



Current Java thread:

Dynamic libraries:
0x7D750000 - 0x7D76D000      C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\IMAGEHLP.DLL

Local Time = Mon Nov 18 16:02:38 2002
Elapsed Time = 1
#
# HotSpot Virtual Machine Error : EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION
# Error ID : 4F530E43505002BD
# Please report this error at
# http://java.sun.com/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi
#
# Java VM: Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (1.3.1_06-b01 mixed mode)
#

I've spent hours today on the java.sun.com website, trying to figure out what version I have, if that's the problem. I downloaded the newest version of java- and it didn't help. Plus I can't report the error because I don't know which version of (35?) I have to choose from. Talk about frustration! Any help is MUCH MUCH Appriciated!