Sometimes you can persuade individual files that they are .jpg or .gif by changing the actual file tension. Make a copy of the file in question, then rename it eg house.el1 becomes house.jpg
Somtimes works, but always worth a try.
Also, if you want to get at your photos, try allowing your computer to simply read the camera as if it were a usb drive. Just plug it into the usb port and go to 'my computer' to find an open it - you don't have to open your camera using the software they provide. This way you should see all your photos as .jpg files.