HELP ME.

I've given up trying to figure this out for myself, so I shall now enlist people on the internet to help me.

I've been trying to import my .avi files of Heroes episodes into Windows Movie Maker in Vista (aka the root of all evil in this world), and no matter what I do the thing will not load the episodes in there. Every time I try to start importing the program closes. I've downloaded the right codec (I checked) and the thing still won't let the eps import. I tried changing the settings on the "Data Execution" thing or whatever it is and nothing happens, even when I re-start the computer. I've been trying to figure out what to do for MONTHS and I haven't made any progress. I'm starting to get very frustrated because I have tons of ideas for fanvids but I can't make any of them! *tears out hair*

HEEEELLLPPP.

(or hell, just point me towards an editing program that will let me import the damn files and won't shut down on me that's a good editing program and not very expensive!!)