Hi, the first issue I have to mention is the most serious one.

Skype has been givingme a lot of problems. When I place a call the window will freeze when I click the hang up button. Also when I open the chat box, the window border is gone and I can't close it but with Alt+F4.

Now I can't get skype to open at all after logging out due to it freezing and not responding to kill.

Another issue, I can't get synaptic package manager to open after putting in the password. I can't only open it through the terminal.
So I guess I have to ask a question. What is the solution to this? Maybe I have to install another Linux distro? I don't like ubuntu unity interface. thank you.

Have you tried the other 'buntus, like Kubuntu or Xubuntu? Also, are you running 32 or 64 bit?

Skype is 3rd-party software not developed or supported by Canonical (makers of Lubuntu). You can get help for Skype here: https://support.skype.com/

Have you set up a root password in Lubuntu? (I do not recommend it.) You should be able to launch Synaptic with:

Does that work? If you have set a root password, that might mess up gksu.

I am using 32 bit and yes I've tried kubuntu and mint 13 kde. I don't think this computer can run those because it won't boot after installation. it sticks at a command prompt asking me to log in and then ask for commands which I don't know any. I didn't open a thread on that because i believe the hdd is bad and only lubuntu will work on it. I will try xubuntu to see if it's better.

Software can't repair broken hardware, and replacement hard drives are cheap.

You can test your theory that a broken hard drive is causing the problem by running from a Live CD or Live USB. Do you still have the problem running in "live" mode?

I haven't tried that and how do I test the hdd with the usb live boot? all I see is the memory test.

Boot Live CD, install Skype, make test call. Same problem?

Oh yes, another tip: you can run apps from the command line terminal (just type the name of the app and press Enter) and then you will get detailed error messages that you can use to hunt for answers.