Computer Freezes When Idle

[socno24]

My computer freezes only when it is idle, but not every time that it is idle.

ASRock Dual SATA2 Motherboard
3700+ AMD processor
2x512 RAM
160GB SATA-1 drive
Nvidia 6600GT
Cheap PCI sound card
1 Optical drive
XP home

I built this computer in January of 2006. It ran fine until a couple of months ago. Then I would get a BSOD every so often. I always got one of two BSOD messages: "IRQL Not Less Or Equal" or "Machine Check Exception."

I tried reformatting and reinstalling. I tried another hard drive. I tested my ram with memtest86+. I tried using a ps/2 mouse/keyboard instead of USB ones. I downloaded the most recent drivers. I checked to make sure that my temps are fine. I flashed my BIOS to the most recent version.

In the device manager, under "Other Devices" there are three things, all of which have the yellow question mark and exclamation mark. They are:
Multimedia Audio Controller
USB Device
USB Device

Would this cause the freezing when idle? Why would the computer only freeze when idle and never when it is being used? What can I do to get rid of the yellow in the device manager?

Thanks

 

[imported_Spacetop]

For the yellow devices, you can install the motherboard drivers for audio and USB 2.0 ports. It does look like you have some kind of hardware conflict. Does you motherboard have a onboard audio? If yes, go into your bios and disable onboard audio. Beyond that, do you have the latest XP service pack? I think for USB2 drivers you need at least SP1...Also if that does not help try removing your PCI audio card, see if that makes a difference.

 

[socno24]

I don't use onboard audio and I have it disabled in BIOS. I already tried going without sound for a while (to no avail). SP2 is installed. There is no USB driver listed on ASRock's website.

 

[amdskip]

What power supply are you using?

 

[socno24]

Originally posted by: amdskip
What power supply are you using?

Antec SmartPower 500 watt

 

[KGB]

What "Cheap PCI sound card" are you using?

 

[socno24]

Originally posted by: KGBMAN
What "Cheap PCI sound card" are you using?

A Turtle Beach card that came with my Dell that I got in 2000. The same issue happens when I pull the sound card so I don't think that its the issue. I'm wondering whats wrong with the USB stuff.

 

[socno24]

Anybody else have an idea?

 

[oynaz]

Your RAM is probably defective. Memtest are not 100% foolproof. Try pulling out one of the sticks.