At a guess you've got JavaScript disabled. Many aspects of the forum structure rely on JavaScript, including drop down menus and the functions of the posting box.

If you are using Internet Explorer firstly select "Tools" on the menu bar and then "Internet Options". In Internet Explorer 7, if you cannot find the menu bar press the "Alt" key to display it.

After the window is open, click on the "Security" tab and then drag the leaver to the "Medium-High" or a lower level.

Refresh the page, and check if the functions are working.

If they are not, then "forums.totalwar.org" may have ended up in the "Restricted Sites" area.

As before, firstly open up Internet Options. On IE 6 select "Tools" and then "Internet Options". On IE 7 with the menu bar hidden, press "Alt" and then select "Tools" followed by "Internet Options".

Scroll to the "Security" section and select "Restricted Sites".

Click on the "Sites" button.

If "forums.totalwar.org", "totalwar.org" or "www.totalwar.org" is on the list, select it, and then click "Remove".

Select Ok, and then Ok again.

If the forum isn't on the list, you may wish to check under the "Trusted Sites" list to see if it's there. If it is, then remove it and, for the future, switch the zone slider security to at highest "Medium".

If the forum isn't on either list them I'm a little confused over what could be causing the problem. You may want to try switching to an alternative browser, such as Flock, Firefox or Opera. This is probably advisable anyhow - Internet Explorer, particularly Internet Explorer 6, is a terrible browser when it comes to security, web standards compliance, customisability and overall level of features.

In Firefox or Flock, the instructions are much simpler, firstly select the "Tools" menu and then select "Content". Ensure the "Enable JavaScript" checkbox is checked. After you have done that, select Ok.

Hope this is useful and good luck