Can't hear sounds through internet browser

HI there, i am having trouble with sounds through my browser, such as
internet radio, any music or sounds on websites. it used to work.
I can hear sound through any files i have on the pc or through cds,
just when trying to listen to stuff on the web.
I have fairly recent audio codec packs, have checked most settings i
can think about and they seem fine (although i am no expert)
Has anyone ever experienced this?
I downloaded a program called totalrecorder (not managed to figure out
how to work it but could this have something to do with it?
It captures streaming content.
actually just away to uninstall it now. Should of done that b4 this
post.
Will come back if it doesn't work.
Sorry about the length