I have an e-machines running Windows XP, which worked originally. Recently, I've been unable to access the Control Panel. Clicking on Start - Settings - Control Panel the first time after boot, brings up the white window with the little flashlight moving back and forth. After a few seconds, that disappears and I'm back at the Desktop. Subsequent attempts to open the Control Panel don't even open the white window, they just blink and I'm back at the Desktop. Any help would be appreciated.

Right-click on your taskbar and select properties. Click the Start Menu tab, then Customize. Click the Advanced tab on the Customize Start Menu window. The first item in the scroll down area should be Control Panel. Select "Display as a menu" and OK out of the windows.

If this does not help, then you may have a bit more serious of an issue.

Well, try one or two things lised below:
1. update your JRE with JRE v6
2. run sfc /scannow in the command prompt
3. Rt click c drive( windows boot drive), to TOOLS, and then click check now button.

Let me know if this has solved your problem