When I ask for a map showing directions I get a blank entry. Is there some software I need to get a map displayed?

Where (in what application/program) are you "asking", and how are you asking?

Google maps is one entity. Is this (Google Maps) what you are referring to?

Can you give an example?

In Mapquest I get the directions, but the space for the map is blank. I must be missing a piece of software. Thanks for your help.

I'm on maps.live.com. I can get directions, but the block where the map appears is blank. Similarly with all other map reading software the map area is blank. There must be something on my computer that is blocking the map area. I have seen other people make the same complaint. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Howard

what browser do y'all use?
is java installed?

browser is firefox. java is installed.