I had the same problem with my HP...just a thought...check to see if the fans are working, my problem was overheating...but other than that...it make just be XP may be too powerful for that computer
Personally, I think the iPod is the best mp3 player on the market. Even if the price is kind of steep ($300 for the 20gb), it is a great investment. Not only can it be used as an external hard drive (aka...something to put your pictures on)... but it has a internal battery that you can charge...