Hum,
it sounds like a driver/USB issue...
But, have a look at what is running in your Windows XP Services.
Also, it may be worth applying this tweak that will make your icons appear quicker.
Windows XP default is to automatically search for network files and printers. This causes a delay in displaying icons.
You can disable this feature by doing the following:
Click Start, then Run.
Type control.exe folders, then click OK
Click `View tab`, then uncheck `Automatically Search For Network Folders and Printers`, then click `Apply`
