Why Does Adobe Flash Suddenly Ask 'Click To Start ...'?

Laptop running Win Vista 32 bit, Premium Home Edition

Installed: Adobe Flash Player 18 PPAPI & Adobe Flash Player 17 PPNPI

Using: Opera version30.0.1835.125 & Java 8 / 51

Without installing anything new or changing settings Flash now pops up with every video asking to 'Click to run Adobe Flash Player'. In addition, it all of a sudden prevents a game site from loading past 10%, whereas previously there was no issue with the site. I have verified that everything is installed properly.

Any help would be appreciated.

Neil