Here's the update:
I tried to go in to Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs... and Internet Explorer is not listed!
I went into RegEdit (in Windows Explorer) and sure enough, there were those sites listed in every entry that requires a web address. I even tried to change those settings and it didn't work. I don't know what to do at this point.
Should I use my "rescue" disk and try to revert back to the system's original settings? If I do that, it will reset the settings from my brand-new cable modem and service from my new provider (yep, had it working for all of two days when DH decided to be stupid), right?
I am so at a loss right now.... and DH feels as though I don't have a right to be upset with him anymore, but I tried to explain to him that every time I have to go in and change the settings it gets me upset all over again. He feels that, if I have truly accepted his apology, then I should be over it and shouldn't still be upset. This caused a huge fight this weekend.
I've now spent many, many hours trying to fix this, and honestly, if I have to end up spending money to fix it, then it's really going to hit the fan.
-MrsAPalm