Run an anti-virus / anti-spyware scan to de-clutter your computer of any nasties.
Run a disc defragmentation to slightly speed up your computer, this will take between 4 -> 8 hours to complete and don't run any other programs while it is working.
Also install the latest drivers for the Graphics card, if you have one.
Also what Audio/Media player do you use?
If it isn't Windows Media Player 11 or iTunes/Quick Time player, then i would consider getting WMP 11.
Also, how much RAM do you have?
This can be found by:
Control Panel -> System -> and it is shown on the bottom left of the smaller window.
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Posting Maven
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since Mar 2007