IE is not in the add/remove programs list because it is an intergral part of Windows. To remove it you have to go to Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs>Add/Remove Windows Components (On the left of the window) and remove it from there.

To reset your security level on IE go to Tools>Internet Options>Security then select Custom Level and at the bottom of the window is a drop down which says "reset to level:". Just select the level you want to reset your browser security to (medium would be recommended.)

Have you tried another browser? If not I would recommend trying Firefox. Just click my signature below to be taken to the Firefox website.