Your copy of Windows doesn't seem to be genuine, meaning you can't use 99% of its features or something and that is probably why its screwing up/not allowing automatic updates.
Its not a virus, i have this too.
did you buy your computer at the stores? or from a friend?
The computer has illegal Operating system.
He said it started after a certain time.
Not only that but it's obviously a virus if he can't even access Control Panel.