Cant download firefox / internet explorer 7/8

Hello,
im currently running windows xp with internet explorer 6
my problem is when i try to open internet portels all of them promt me to download explorer 7 or 8
and a lot of the pictures have that red X on them
i also cant download anny antivirus programs

i go to microsoft and firefox pres download but all i get is save or open options
NO RUN OPTION

Is there a way to download it with just save or run cauz i have tried

I desperate !!!!!!!