Windows Update error code 80070424

My computer has been updating regularly up until (don't laugh) 09/11/2009. I usually let it download the updates then pick and choose what i want, most times it is everything. I am using windows Vista Home Premium x64 Bit Edition. I am now encountering a problem of the update window showing in my taskbar and when selected it shows error: "code 80070424  Windows Update encountered an unknown error". I have tried the Microsoft solution for this problem in the "Services" window by turning off and on the prescribed services but the error still persists. I can no longer get any updates.
Also i downloaded Windows Update agent and tried to install that as well but it fails and gives an error of "unrecoverable error". What else can i do to restart my updates? All other aspects of my computer is working and i have checked for Malware etc., computer is clean.