I can't see the board when I attempt to play the computer.

Hi.  I have Vista.  I double-checked to ensure I had the latest installation of Java, but I still can't see the board when I try to play the computer.  In fact, my computer ends up flipping out when I even attempt.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

What browser are you using? Internet explorer sucks; I recommend you download either Firefox or Chrome. They both will get the job done, I believe.

I'm on Chrome.  :(

you need a java download....

I don't understand; my computer is running Chrome and it seems to be good to go. What exactly is your computer doing when it "flips out"?

usually a window will pop up tell you that....i am not sure it it is being blocked or you closed it accidentally

Make sure you have popups enabled.. that's under options in the upper right hand corner

Thanks.  I did see the suggestion to download the new Java, and I did so.  Now the screen will act like the board will come up, but then the site crashes, as does the entire browser.  

Go and download Java again; it might be more than one update. You might also need a computer restart.

Yeah, I'll try all that again.  Thanks.  I don't know. I'm sure it was just something stupid I did... haha 

Thanks for the advice.  Unfortunately, I'm having the same problem in Firefox and Explorer, as well.  It's a Java mystery, I think...

Tell me about you security, pop up blockers, firewall, etc... do you know how all of those things are set up for certain ?

...PS...not that I am unwilling to help you further, playing engines typically isn't good for your learning and even worse for your confidence, self esteem, etc...

Haha, yeah, this might be Divine Intervention to let me know to just stick with playing people.  

I cleared the cache, but it didn't help.  Java passed the test, but still, merely setting up the board against the computer is making the entire browser crash.

Try using another browser. Get rid of all previous versions of java. BTW does java work anywhere on the internet for you? These links may help:

https://www.java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml

http://www.chess.com/blog/NimzoRoy/diagnosing-and-fixing-internet-problems?_domain=old_blog_host&_parent=old_frontend_blog_view

Now you have me scratching my head. Are you able to take a picture of the screen as it appears when you try to get it to load  and then post it here ? I would like to help you solve your mystery. At first glance, it appears that you havea bad download. I don't wan't to indiscriminately have you start uninstalling and reinstalling browsers,java,etc, but you definitely have a very strange problem. If you have more than one browser doing it, it appears that it is a problem with either you O.S. or your O.S.'s security. If you are patient and willing to work with me, I'll try walking you through this to a solution.

I've uninstalled and reinstalled.  Now the board won't appear, but the entire browser doesn't crash anymore, at least.  The little Java cup will appear as if the board is trying to load, but it never does.

I'm sorry I'm confusing everyone!  haha But I appreciate all of you trying to help me.  At this point, it's just irritating me more than anything else. 

I've had the same issue for several weeks myself.

@Paganmirth: Does yours look like this too?

http://screencast.com/t/qO83VdOh