Let's deal with one issue at a time.
First the homebrew and bubbles issue, this is because you need to put applications onto your sd card then load them through home brew. Here is a popular application it is called homebrew browser, you can download some games, media applications and emmulators here is the direct link from hackendhacks
http://www.mediafire.com/?e1tzumggyttNow on your sd card you will need two files onle called apps and the other wad, place the internet browser into the apps folder on your sd card.
Place the sd card into your wii and go to your homebrew channel you will see a file that says homebrew browser click on it and load the browser.
A wad manager needs to placed ont your sd card in the apps folder and wad games must be placed into the wad file, you launch the wad manager through the homebrew channel.
You will need to download the backup launcher to play back up games, it can be found on the main page. Neogamma r7 is a good one.
http://www.wiikendhacks.com/2009/09/neogamma-r7.htmlNow about your regular games trying to update, I highly recommend that you download the preloader found on the main page.
http://www.wiikendhacks.com/2009/07/preloader-029.htmlIf you installed the preloader( a very wise move ) make sure you go into the preloader settings and change it to boot to and exit to main menu of the wii.