so does anyone have any other ideas besides getting a new OS?

I had Windows ME, and had that same exact problem. It was an old 99 Mhz P1 with 32 MB ram. I'm pretty sure that something in the registry/drivers got corrupted and its not fixable to my knowledge. You should find a Windows ME Install Disk. I tried for many days to fix the problem on my own system and I went out to a PC shop by my house and bought a Windows 2000 Professional license and had them install it. Sorry I can't tell you anything better.

You can get a very good computer for around $500. I reccommend Dell!

If you don't have $500 for a new PC (which you really should spring for with a 6-year-old computer, as it probably won't take well to anything newer than 2000), I would just reinstall ME and wait it out until you can afford one. Personally, I wouldn't waste money getting a license for a new OS for $100 or more only to get a better PC later on.

Awaiting response from user.

*Marked as Pending*