Trouble downloading files on Safari, F/Fox. Opera OK

Hi Folks;

There may be some place that explains this but I haven't thought of the keyword/s.

I have a Macbook pro and Snow Leopard but this problem transferred from my previous iMac with leopard upgraded to Snow Leopard.

Whenever I click on a download link I see a progress bar in the URL box on Safari (similar behavior on Firefox). The download window never opens. I always have to copy the URL and start Opera paste the link, and when the page opens, click on the download. The download box in Opera opens and I am in business. I have been doing this for at least 18 months.

Any ideas how to fix Safari and F.Fox so downloads open the download windows?


Thanks

David H.

What versions of Safari and FF are you using and which version of OS X?

Regards.

I have

Safari Version 5.0.1 (6533.17.8)
Firefox 3.6.8


I should add that some extensions do download. For example pdf files.
dmg's do not.

thank you