Why does Google and Youtube think I'm using Internet Explorer 7 ?

[#1]

.... when I've just removed and re-added Internet Explorer 8 to make sure my actual browser is telling me the truth?
(I know, please don't give me grief about sticking with M$!!)
I hope I don't have to clear all cookies, because I rely on saved log-ins to keep me sane....
Help!
Chris

[#2]

Accidentally stuck in "compatibility mode"?

[#3]

Thank you for the suggestion. I've just unchecked the "Display websites in compatibility view" option (of which I was totally ignorant before). Let's see if it does the trick when I re-start....
Chris

[#4]

I think Google doesn't see IE8 as a "modern" browser and is probably enticing you toward Chrome 

[#5]

Google Chrome FTW.

[#6]

Yeah, I'm tempted towards Chrome, but suffering from inertia!  I just like the 'look and feel' -- and all the user settings -- I'm used to.....
Anyway, BIG thanks to ejs -- unchecking "compatibility view" seems to have done the trick. I'll post back if the problem recurs.
Thanks all!
Chris