Why can't I watch videos on the internet on my laptop?

[Erika]

I just got a new laptop for Christmas and I tried to watch videos on some websites (mainly megashare) but when I click what I want to watch it's just a black screen with a small X button in the corner, and when I click the X nothing happens. My laptop is windows 8 would that have anything to do with the problem?

[nik 2706]

it probably requires a plugin. which browser are you using? you might be able to resolve this by installing adobe.

[James Bond]

DO check up the format of the video.
Sometimes, if it is using java or flash then mismatch among the releases also gives such a problem

[Jess]

You probably need to install abode software, flash player or java which let's you watch videos. They are free and don't take too long to download.

[PJ]

Is this a downloaded video file or a file you are trying to stream from an internet site?
Can you watch videos on other websites? the box with the x more than likely means that the computer doesn't have the right program or plug-in installed to run that type of video file.

If the file is a downloaded video file, I would suggest downloading and installing vlc media player (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html) to see if the file can play in that... it will play most video and audio files that windows media player (which is the default player for any Windows computer) might not be able to play.

[GavNun]

try watching videos on youtube, the problem might be the website

[piquet]

sounds like a porn clog.