Windows Firewall

When I try to turn on my Windows Firewall I get the message "Windows Firewall is not running because the associated service is not running. Do you want to start the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection sharing service?" When I say yes I get a message "Windows cannot start Windows Firewall/Internet Sharing service"
That's it. No options. No referral to how to start it?
Does anyone have a clue? Thanks for your time and attention.
Jack