i tried resetting the time on the laptop, can't get it to set exactly.
If your time is correct within a second or two, it should be fine; that sounds like your laptop's time is synchronized with an internet time server. It is natural for the time to drift a small amount each day, but as long as it synchronizes on a regular schedule (as it does if you are using the "set time automatically" option in Windows, for instance) you should be all set.
If the auction timer is not counting down in the last twenty-four hours of an auction, try restarting your laptop. Sometimes a deferred system update can cause issues. After that, try a different browser -- preferably one that you do not normally use -- the latest possible version with no add-ons installed and default settings.
