First and foremost,
Check all of your hardware, make sure everything is connected properly.

I've never actually heard of this particular problem before...
But might I suggest you try a few things.
First,
Use the system restore feature to see if you can get XP back in shape.
Second try a command based approach
click on start
click on the run tab
the RUN dialog will open up:
now where you see open:_________________ type
SFC /SCANNOW

Make sure you have your XP CD handy as this will attempt to repair any system files that are damaged that might be causing this behavior.

Third, try inserting your XP cd, then restarting your PC.
On the boot make sure to PRESS ANY KEY to BOOT FROM THE CD.
Now choose to REPAIR THIS XP installtion
give that a go...

If none of the above work, post again and we shall try to help you further.
BB