Your files might have been corrupted. OS seems no problem since they both capable of handling winamp software. There are cases it happen, its still an electronic equipment that can be subject to certain errors.
If you are fond of downloading any files, make sure you have a security software because some of these files carry viruses.
Changing the operating system will do nothing to resolve your problem.
In that case, keep your OS intact and run a virtual machine on it. You may want to try the software VMWare player which helps you install multiple OS over your existing windows 7. (It is free).
Your original OS will be intact and you can install Win XP and/or any OS of your choice and run that OS compatible things on your virtual machine. This works perfect. You can get it from this link.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.