To start with the second issue:
What happens if you depress [5] on numeric keyboard?
Then the first (playlist) issue:
(Assuming that you use default skin and latest version 2.36.990) if you click on the circle (PL) on Control-panel, I understand then you see the playlist window as shown at the top.
Now click on (PL) again (or the exit button of playlist-window) so that it closes.
Now rightclick on the control panel and then follow ...
Options => Preferences => Playlist and
deselect "Use 'old style' playlist", followed by (Close) at bottom left.
If you now click on (PL) nothing happens?
If that is the case I cannot but assume that you have insufficient Windows-rights to change preferences. Do other changes work? Are you using Vista perhaps?
If so, maybe Vista's UAC is playing a trick on you.