Strange problem in Internet Explorer 6

[k5kck]

I have an old laptop that runs Windows98. I use it for some digital modes and for Echolink and it works just fine for these applications. When I go to any website though, I can't enter text into any field on the page. Such as the callsign search on QRZ. I can enter addresses into the address line but thats it. Also in outlook express, I can create new mail and enter recipient address and subject line but then can't put text into the body of the e-mail. I know the computer is old and not worth too much trouble to fix it but I would just like to find out what the problem is for my own knowledge. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and 73,
K5KCK