perpetually in installation mode

I have been trying to download adobe flashplayer for weeks.  I am constantly being asked to download.  I go thru the installation process, I have an icon on my desktop, I accept terms and "finish" installation process.  the next time I go onto a website I am told I need to download flashplayer.  I click on the icon and go thru the installation process again and again.  why wont it work?  I have shut down, re started... I do not know what i am doing wrong but am very frustrated.  this is preventing me from getting into many websites that I need to accomplish work.  please help me.