my firewalls wont start

I used to use the zonelabs free firewall but a few days ago when I tried to open it it wouldn't start. I tried reinstalling zonelabs and I could open it, but it gave me a warning that the true vector internet security shut down, I tried restarting it, but it shut down again. Also, any time I try to change the settings of zonelabs, they reset (like checking "protect the zonealarm client" to on, it turns back off) Since zonealarm had failed to work, I downloaded the Sygate free firewall and installed it, the problem is I can't even get it to open. I click on the icon and nothing happens, even after waiting several minutes.
Coincidentally, I found something on the adaware search that supposedly compromises the system security. Can anyone help?

It sounds to me like you got yourself a nasty virus/worm. There are many of them that will go after your firewall and AV. Have you tried updating and running your AV both in normal mode and safe mode?

I just did that, i ran Spybot S&D and adaware in safe mode, each twice, but it still showed up in my second adaware search after I deleted it in the first search.

It would be really useful for us to know waht it was you found in that Ad-Aware scan.

It could be some virus.
But i had this a while ago.
when i used regclean, the problem was gone

Also try these links
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ (online virusscanner)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/ (lots of free programs against spy/mal/ad-ware
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/ (homepage of csShredder and HiJackThis)

Vendor: Windows
Category: Vulnerability
Object Type: RegData
Size: -
Location: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon "Shell" ()
Last Activity: 8-6-2004
Risk Level: Low
Comment: Shell Possibly Compromised

Description
General Windows Security Issue. Your system security may be compromised.
Root Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE