FIXED!
I accidentally unchecked the 'always ask before downloading this file type' box when downloading *.zip files.
I have tried to restore the prompter by going to folder options and resetting the 'always open after downloading' box under the correct file extension, but that didn't work.
I also tried going into internet options and resetting the download file settings to prompt, but that didn't change it either.
EDIT:
After experimenting some, I found that I had to open a windows explorer, then under tools, select folder options.
Select the tab File Types, scroll down to the ext, (in this case zip) and click on the advanced button in the bottom window pane.
(If it says restore, you may need to restore first, then the advanced options button will come up)
Then I had to make sure that the option 'confirm open after download' was checked and that took care of the problem.
Edited by Purjewl, 25 June 2008 - 12:43 PM.