I can't see my photos any more!

[Lightshines]

I have a Canon EOS 500D with an 8GB SanDisk. I have a HP laptop running Windows 7 Professional.
Usually what I do is put the SD card in the drive, up pops an 'AutoPlay' menu and I can either download or view my photos.
However, when I tried it several times today, I can't see or access any photos. All I can see is a green 'Windows' logo and all the files have a .CR2 extension.
Googling revealed I need to download a 'codec' but it won't work from the Windows website, it just doesn't open a download.
Please can anyone help me, explain, point me in the right direction?
I really am quite technologically challenged, so simplicity appreciated. Thanks.

[cdtaylornats]

Try downloading the codec from the Canon website

//Www.Canon.UK/support/camera_software/

Under Current Software you will see Canon RAW Codec

[Lightshines]

Thanks.
Sorry, that link doesn't work - what am I looking for?