downloading filters

I've search and read several posts aobut downloading issue with FF
I've just downlaod and installed FF
and tried DL'ing filters what happens is I get this message

'Cannot Run Filterforge- the program is already running'

this happens if I run the program through Photopain/photoshope

and happens if I run FF as standalone

waht I've done

1. I have no firewall running (xp sp2)

2. closed out FF and went directly to FF website and tried downloading from there...what happens is the filter appears to start DL'ing then FF opens but all I get is the default filters..the newly download filter is not there

3. no proxy

4. have tried both FF online settings automatic and direct: same problem

any suggestions as to why I am unable to download filters