Internet Explorer + Update/Install = Rape

So I'm running Windows 98, and I'm trying to download IE 5.1 or greater (I had 5.0) so I can install that .NET deal, and every time I try to install 5.1 or 5.5, it goes "Initializing... Backing up previous settings... Copying Files..." and then quickly jumps from 1% to 97%, then tells me that the installation failed and that I should try again.

Later, I tried installing IE 6, and in lieu of installing the files, it instead wiped any trace of IE from my computer, which is a tremendous pain in the ass as you can probably imagine.  EVEN BETTER NEWS: I still can't install IE without the same problems as before.

Anyone have any ideas better than my sudden inclination to reformat my monitor with my fist?

#3 - Yeah except I need IE 5.1 or greater for this bullshit .NET deal to work so I can patch a game I'm trying to play.

#4 - I'm using 98 because it eats up less RAM and I could give a shit about all the features/"protections" it offers, cunt.