I share golferminn's frustration with Windows 8, having installed the Beta version on my (previously) Windows 7 HP laptop. As frustrating as it has been to fathom the Windows 8 design and operation, imagine my shock at finding its resident browser, IE 10, is unable to play videos such as a NOVA special:
Video: Hunting the Edge of Space: Part 1 | Watch NOVA Online | PBS Video. I was able to hear the sound but the screen remained black.
In confirming the problem, I made sure I had downloaded all available updates for Windows 8, and I searched Microsoft's (difficult to navigate) website for any sign of awareness or help. I did determine there appears to be a disconnect of some sort between Adobe and Microsoft regarding Flash Player's compatibility with IE 10.
Bottom line - are you ready for this - I had to open Firefox in Windows 8 in order to successfully play the video! Roll that around in your mind for a minute; Microsoft's new flagship OS is incapable of handling ordinary videos! How's that for progress?!