Outlook conversion stops me from opening emal when I use IE8 – I can access using Firefox- Started Mid November

About three weeks ago I logged on to Hotmail and ended up with an "OUTLOOK" Display. I could see my emails but could not open, send or make the help functions work.  I "could not" open help to request help. I was using IE8. A forum member suggested using Firefox which works.  I access all others Internet Stuff via IE8 and would like to continue doing so. I have seen comments about some type of upgrade/move to Outlook and can not seem to make my account work.  I have a secondary hotmail account that does not. at the present time, have the same problem.  I have a lot of folders in my primary email which I can not access via IE8. I have read of many other users experiencing the same problem and am wondering if it is going to be fixed.