SOS - Windows updates problem - won't let me change my settings to turn on Automatic Updates

I was doing some research in regards to your failing Windows update issue and came across this article which I’m hoping may help you.  Have a read and see if this makes a difference.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/931712

You can also try the following:

To stop the Windows Update service, you must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

1. Open Administrative Tools by clicking the Start button , clicking Control
Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Administrative
Tools.

2. Double-click Services. If you are prompted for an administrator password
or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

3. Right-click the Windows Update service, and then click Stop.

To delete temporary update files
1. Open Computer by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Computer.

2. Double-click the local hard disk where Windows is installed, typically
drive C.

3. Double-click the Windows folder, and then double-click the
SoftwareDistribution folder.

4. Double-click the DataStore folder to open it, and then delete all files
and folders in the folder. If you are prompted for an administrator password
or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

5. Click the Back button. In the SoftwareDistribution folder, double-click
the Download folder to open it, and then delete all files in the folder. If
you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the
password or provide confirmation.

To restart the Windows Update service
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

1. Open Administrative Tools by clicking the Start button , clicking Control
Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Administrative
Tools.

2. Double-click Services. If you are prompted for an administrator password
or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

3. Right-click the Windows Update service, and then click Start.

Try and run the updates again.
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Again - I still can't change the settings.  Please help