can't defrag w98se

Defrag never really gets started. I can open and start, but
it never gets past 0%. When I open details I get a frame,
but with a blank white map.
I never had a problem before.
I have exited programs, including Spybot & Norton
It was suggested to me I had a parasite and should run
CWSHREDDER, which I did have and I did run, but the
problem(s) continue.
I ran Norton's defrag, but very slow (20 hours for 80% done)

Also, these are 3 perhapse unrelated problems, but it all
happened in the past week or so:
1) IE doesn't work right now: it opens with the "this page
cannot be displayed" window, but Netscape is fine.
2) Notepad closes itself without saving what I pasted.
3) Windows doesn't reboot/open - it hangs at "Windows is
closing" frame.

So what's up? Be easy with the syntax for me! I'm brave,
but un-book learned!

thanks for your help
Murph