On lots of sites, the ads use Java scripting. With an old system you may not have a current Java kit. Ordinarily a lack of Java to read the ads won't block you from getting into a site - you'll just get a prompt asking you to turn it on; but with a very old IE you might not see the prompt and IE can't proceed without an "answer."
Microsoft offeres its version of Java along with automatic security updates, but they're not necessarily in the "critical" list that gets installed automatically. You have to go in manually via the Windows update or Microsoft Update buttons on your Start button menu to check for optional updates. And if your OS is too old for "current IE" you may not be able to get anything there.
You can go to http://www.java.com/en/download/help/java_update.xml to get a current "real Java" direct from the Java guys. I've been using that version for a couple of years with no conflicts with "anything Windows."
(If you got direct to Java, they probably will offer to download Open Office along with the Java. You can opt not to take the Open Office by unchecking a box when it's offered.)
Any version of IE within memory should have a "Manage Add-Ons" at the Tools button where you can turn Java on or off anytime you don't want it running, so having it on your system doesn't mean you have to run it should you decide to get adventurous and visit risky places. Just turn it off before leaving the main road and entering the swamps.
Inability to play the songs might indicate that you might be lacking a current version of an appropriate "player," but that shouldn't prevent you from getting into the site.
While I believe that IE8 requires Vista or later, I'm still running IE7 and so far as I've seen it runs on older Windows versions, although I can't really say "how old."
Either of the IE updates to IE7 may be a fairly large download if you're on a really slow connection, so check the "estimated download time" and allow sufficient time before starting one, if applicable.