Media Player Security Update Problem

Hi - I have a problem playing "protected" video clips that I have downloaded and played on a Win ME machine for some time. Since getting an XP Home machine, I can no longer play these clips. The Media Player tells me that a security update is needed to play these files, but when I click on OK, the server times out and it seems I have error 800c2eff. A web search hasn't helped solve this problem.

I connect to the web via a router and ethernet card, to AOL broadband in the UK. I use ZoneAlarm as a software firewall, but turning it off hasn't helped. Any suggestions would be gratefully received, and if anyone needs more information, just ask.

Thanks.