This issue can be caused by malware.

Do a malware check with several malware scanning programs on the Windows computer. Please scan with all programs because each program detects different malware. All these programs have free versions.

Make sure that you update each program to get the latest version of their databases before doing a scan.

• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware:
  http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
• AdwCleaner:
  http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/
  http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Removal-Tools/AdwCleaner.shtml
• SuperAntispyware:
  http://www.superantispyware.com/
• Microsoft Safety Scanner:
  http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx
• Windows Defender:
  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-defender
• Spybot Search & Destroy:
  http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
• Kasperky Free Security Scan:
  http://www.kaspersky.com/security-scan

You can also do a check for a rootkit infection with TDSSKiller.

• Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller:
  http://support.kaspersky.com/5350?el=88446

See also:

• "Spyware on Windows": http://kb.mozillazine.org/Popups_not_blocked
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware

Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them.

I downloaded the first couple of Malware scanning programs and the problem appears to be fixed. Cheers

I downloaded and ran the malware programs and the problem has persisted. There are no addons or extensions. Anyone have any other suggestions or know what virus/malware caused the issue?

Arapport said

Anyone have any other suggestions

Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} While you are in safe mode;

Type about:preferences#advanced<Enter> in the address bar.

Under Advanced, Select General. Look for and turn off Use Hardware Acceleration.

Poke around safe web sites. Are there any problems?

Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites.

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

Ok, after some detailed poking around I found the source of the issue was a vulnerability/exploited flashplayer plugin. Once I disabled it, then I was able to get "normal" function back. After some careful and timely remediation everything is back up and running! Thanks for all of your help!!!

Would the OP (original poster) please mark this problem as solved?

That was very good work. Well Done. Please flag your last post as Solved Problem so other will know.