Sandy, it looks like you might have a Font Cache problem. There is an easy way to clear the Users Font Cache, but I would recommend you get rid of all font caches. This can be done easil through a "free" neat app called
YASU.
Here's their site. http://yasuapp.com
Just unclick everything but :
Clear System Font Cache
Clear Local font cache
Clear User font cache
After checking these three, click OK.
I use this about 2x year, and have found it very helpful. I only clear font caches if I'm having a problem, which you obviously are. I hope it helps you.