Corrupt Files and inability to check disc??

Hi, thanks in advance for any help you may be able to offer.

My problem started with Microsoft Office, but I fear it is much worse. I get error messages whenever using a microsoft office program, saying that a file is corrupted. I can't uninstall, I can't repair, I can't reinstall. Now, I get error messages popping up from my taskbar telling me that things are corrupt for iTunes, Microsoft Office, and other programs.

I have tried System restore, and it tells me this:

Windows has detected file system corruption on SQ004682V03 (C. You must check the disk for errors before it can be restored.

SO clearly there's a problem with my C drive. But I can't check the disk for errors!

It says, "windows can't check disk while it's in use" and gives me the opportunity to schedule the disk for when my computer restarts. But when I restart, it doesn't check the disk, and if I do it manually, it says the same thing.

I know nothing about computers but I fear this is bad news.

Try disk check, here's a tutorial: Astalavista :: View topic - [Tutorial] How to use the Check Disk utility (Vista)
See if you can work it, then call me back.... If you can't get it working try SFC/Scannow: http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2231/..._file_checker/ ( Have you scanned for Virus?)

Try the links above but usually if chkdsk won't work then it can mean the HDD is on it's way out..

Copy anything you can to disc.......