Can't attach file to e-mail

I'm unable to attach a file to an e-mail. I'm using XP Home and IE6. I have
Verizon DSL and also use Yahoo. I used to be able to do this, but believe it
stopped when I ran several Adware/Spyware programs and deleted the files it
flagged. I used to send a file once a week and now cannot. File size is
less than 100 kb. For instance ... when trying to attach an Excel file (.xls)
in Yahoo, (attach file/browse/select file/attach file) it tries, but after
about 5 minutes, then displays ... Page cannot be displayed. All other IE
functions seem to be working properly. Any thoughts?