My system has been halting alot as of late. About six monthes ago I noticed I
had two TELEPHONY icons in my control panel. Both are active ( I can use
either one and they mirror each other in content) since i hadn't noticed any
performance issues i just let it be. In January a second SYSTEM icon showed
up (same scene mirror, use either...) Two weeks ago a second ADD HARDWARE
icon showed and as stated I am halting often, almost daily or more to be
true. I am up to date on my AV updates (V-com) and am behind a firewall. With
the new icon i can no longer use my usb ports. plug anything in and total
freeze. Plug in prior to start up and i get "windows protection error" then
reboots to safe mode only if i unplug the device. This isn't a bios issue
since my other bootable HD works w/o any issues when i unhide it (bootmagic)
any way i'm hopelessly lost and confused and a bit frustrated so any help
will be welcomed
system particulars a
Athlon 1150
750 RAM
WIN 98se
Also I halt on any number of apps after any number of minutes or hours
uptime no pattern that i can see. The most common set of details closely
follows this...

UNKNOWN caused an invalid page fault in
module unknown at 0000:bff80ecb.

the module will differ but the recommendation to restart my system after
closing all apps remains a constant and usually this requires a three finger
salute, the reset button or the power button.
sorry bout the length just want an informed public
any takers? please