Latest Flashplayer and Shockwave versions won't launch on Windows Vista

Having updated to the latest Firefox version for a 32 bit system on Windows Vista,  I'm experiencing the same launch problems for Adobe's Flash Player as with the Shockwave programs in all current and previous Firefox versions. Interestingly, I can launch a previously saved version of Flash (Version 17) and it will "Run", but not the more recent versions (23-25). All I see is the hour glass for about 10-20 seconds and then nothing each and every time. Just recently, I received a permission error, and so I right clicked the "Run as Administrator", and still nothing. I then disengaged my firewall and all other security, and re-downloaded. Nothing again. Of course, I even shut down the browser and tried launching - but still nothing. All other executable programs work except for these. Could it be the communications between Adobe and my computer? Should I download the file from a different website? All comments are appreciated.