XP headache (desktop properties and screensaver related)

Really not double posting. My last thread was older, had more problems I
got past, etc. Am down to two problems, and they "might" be tied in to each
other:

*** The first time after a reboot, when I right click on the desktop (to get
the properties menu)I get the sound file set for "Device Connect".
I looked through the Sound Properties setting and that sound is only set for
the "Device Connect" in Windows.

Why on Earth would that go off when ? And why only the first time after a
reboot?

*** Possibly related: The fact that my screensaver doesn't always execute.

Now some history on my machine:

I've run every tool people here (and elsewhere) have recommended.

1.5gb ram,
over 20gbs HD available
SP3 installed
All updates run
Have run complete scans with NAV, SpyBot, etc.
Defragged with DiskLite,
Have posted reports from HiJack and all seem to agree I have no malware
lurking
(I can out a link up for these reports if anyone would like to peruse)

Something's up.... and I'm more concerned than angry.

Thanks