Since Java is the common way that sites link to YouTube, it is possible that an update would help - especially since sites that might send you there have varied a lot in how current their JScripts are.

You can go to the Java Verifier to get a check on whether you have the recommended version.

I installed an auto-downloaded update about a week ago, and the "Verifier" tells me I'm obsolete, so most of you likely are too.

Previously, it was recommended that you keep a couple of "obsolete" versions of Java available due to lax updating by web servers, but the current recommendation is that you uninstall all older ones. You should be able to find instructions for both removal of the old versions and installation of the new at the download site.

Java is sufficiently ubiquitous that there are probably hundreds of sites claiming to be "official mirror sites" for downloads. Some of them may not be good places to visit.

Windows users can go to Download Java for Windows. (at java.com).

Others (or maybe curious Windowers) can check Java Downloads for All Operating Systems. (also at java.com).

Whether it solves the YouTube problem or not, you likely will want to have current Java in your browser. You can turn it on or off when appropriate, but needing to download/install/reboot when you're into a hot browsing session is a real downer. Better to have it before you need it.

John