Browsers won't play videos because of ad blocker

Helper_Seeker · Jul 25, 2024

Hi there,

Certain websites won't play videos and display a message that it's because I'm using an ad blocker.

It happens on two browsers—Chrome and Edge—so it's not a browser issue. I removed the AdBlocker extension, but it doesn't solve the problem. I use ESET Internet Security and Malwarebytes as browser extensions on my main browser (Chrome) and the client. Still, even when I disable both (client and web extensions), I keep getting this message.

None of the other extensions I use have anything to do with web protection. I don't think I'm running any other clients to protect my computer.

Any clue what could cause this?

Thanks!

Winver: 23H2 (OS Build 22631.3880).
Chrome: 126.0.6478.183 (Official Build) (64-bit)
Edge: 126.0.2592.113 (Official build) (64-bit)
ESET: 17.2.7.0
Malwarebytes: 5.1.6.117

K7MEM · Jul 25, 2024

I really don't know how to fix your problem, but I do use Chrome for a browser. Hopefully someone else can help you.

I also don't use ESET or Malwarebytes, but I do have two ad blocker extensions installed in Chrome. Personally, I never disable the ad blockers. If a site will not let me view something, because of the ad blockers, I simply delete them and go somewhere else. For me, it's their loss because, I can always find the same information some where else.

Helper_Seeker · Jul 28, 2024

Hey hey?:)

XxXxX · Jul 28, 2024

not sure if this is of help .. but ..

How To Disable (And Enable) Chrome's Default Ad Blocker?

Google Chrome comes with an adblocker but it isn't the best in most cases. Here's how you can disable and enable Google Chrome ad blocker.

fossbytes.com

within chrome settings there is an inbuilt ad blocker
this maybe of help, best of luck. Steve ..

Helper_Seeker · Jul 28, 2024

Thanks.

That option in my Chrome isn't blocking ads.

And the exact same issue is in Edge, so I doubt it's a Chrome setting thing.

Anything else comes to mind?

andrew129260 · Jul 30, 2024

Helper_Seeker said:
Thanks.

That option in my Chrome isn't blocking ads.

View attachment 102515

And the exact same issue is in Edge, so I doubt it's a Chrome setting thing.

Anything else comes to mind?

Try clearing your browser cache under the 3 dots top right in chrome and click delete browsing data. Choose all time for time range. Choose cached images and files checkbox. More than likely the cache is saved with the block so it needs to be cleared to force refresh the page.

You can also use a private browsing window (called incognito in chrome) which will not load any extensions by default. That also bypasses the cache which should load correctly for you.

Helper_Seeker · Jul 30, 2024

Great idea! Makes a lot of sense.

However... no good.

Deleted the cache (images and files) on both browsers - I still can't load the videos.

Tried Incognito - still can't load the videos.

andrew129260 · Jul 30, 2024

Helper_Seeker said:
Great idea! Makes a lot of sense.

However... no good.

Deleted the cache (images and files) on both browsers - I still can't load the videos.

Tried Incognito - still can't load the videos.

Odd. It might be a block based on ip or mac for a certain amount of time.

Are you using a vpn with a built in ad block?

whats the site where you are having the issues?

Does youtube and others work?

Helper_Seeker · Jul 30, 2024

Yeah, most sites are fine. Just a few seem to have these issues.

Sometimes on a VPN, but it also happens without a VPN. I'm with Nord.

Same websites - on mobile, no issues; other people, on browser, no issues.

Here's an example.

andrew129260 · Jul 30, 2024

Helper_Seeker said:
Yeah, most sites are fine. Just a few seem to have these issues.

Sometimes on a VPN, but it also happens without a VPN. I'm with Nord.

Same websites - on mobile, no issues; other people, on browser, no issues.

Here's an example.

weird the example worked with me even with an adblocker enabled.

Have you noticed anything else odd lately?

Have you scanned for malware?

Did you look in your security programs for ad blocking?

FrancoDT · Jul 30, 2024

I share your frustration as I'm finding more and more websites blocking you if you don't turn off your ad blocking now. Everything from news sites to wallpaper sites. If I want to view them I'm forced to turn off my Vivaldi browser's inbuilt ad and tracker blocker as well as the Malwarebytes Browser Guard extension which kind of defeats the purpose of having them. I assume your refreshing the page after turning them off right?

andrew129260 · Jul 30, 2024

FrancoDT said:
I share your frustration as I'm finding more and more websites blocking you if you don't turn off your ad blocking now. Everything from news sites to wallpaper sites. If I want to view them I'm forced to turn off my Vivaldi browser's inbuilt ad and tracker blocker as well as the Malwarebytes Browser Guard extension which kind of defeats the purpose of having them.

It's a never ending cycle. Ads get blocked because they are so horrible and infect your systems (because ads are not checked), forcing more people to block ads, which then causing ads to get more plentiful and cover the page.

I wouldn't mind ads if they didn't cover the page and didnt have misleading links to download shady stuff when trying to download something else. Ads can be done correctly, but very few sites do it well.

Helper_Seeker · Jul 30, 2024

andrew129260 said:
weird the example worked with me even with an adblocker enabled.

Have you noticed anything else odd lately?

Have you scanned for malware?

Did you look in your security programs for ad blocking?

Yeah. It works for a lot of people (including my laptop...). A couple of other sites as well (tho maybe 3-4 in total). No doubt it's something in my system, I just can't figure what.

It's an issue also when I turn off Malwarebytes and pause ESET (both protection and firewall), so...even it's something in the settings of the security apps, then... it shouldn't be a problem once turned off/paused.

I scanned with Malwarebytes, and didn't find anything.

Nothing else odd lately.