Internet Explorer new tab does not load????

Hello!

I'm using Windows 7 RC with IE 8.  Something is terribly wrong with IE 8 tabs.  Suppose I'm on www.google.com, and I right-click on a link there, and select open in new tab.  The new tab appears, but it just shows the loading sign.  IT NEVER LOADS!!!  I can click to make it the active tab, but it still does not load.  Refreshing that page does not help, either.  Right click>Open in new window does not load either!!!!  I have NO clue what is wrong here, but if this could be resolved it would be great!!!  (I have tried starting is with no addons, same deal)

Thanks,
macwin

P.S.
I'm using a Dell E1705