IE 8 and Windows 7 Refresh Problems

I need help. I just bought a new laptop running Windows 7 with IE 8. It's the new i3 series with 4GB memory. I can get to a website without a problem but can't get another page in the website to load without refreshing 2 or 3 times. One big problem is that when I try to purchase an item online and get to the "Place Your Order" page and click on "Submit", it just sits there. The order is never confirmed and I don't dare refresh the page or I could wind up ordering the item every time I do. This is a brand new computer. I shouldn't have any viruses, McAfee came with the system and was activated first thing. I'm really getting frustrated. The same thing happens when I try to download a file. I have to click on download at least 3 times before the file actually starts to download. No other problems noticed with the computer.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. I've used computers for years but please don't speak in technical terms to me as it will be over my head...I'm just a user. Does anyone have an easy fix? I'm afraid if I try all the things listed here that I'll mess up my new computer.

Thanks.