PLEASEEE!! help w/ startup prob.

I've searched the boards here, using google, the computing.net forums, but I can't seem to find the solution to my problem.

I upgraded a box from win98 - winXP. The only reason I did an upgrade was because my dad needed the settings exactly as they were. Everything works fine, except sometimes when the computer has been off for a while, it freezes on bootup. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this? I have not installed the via 4 n 1 drivers for the motherboard.

Motherboard - Asus k7v133 , bios revision 1005
Processor - Slot A Athlon 700
Memory - 256 MB, not sure what brand, forgot over time.
Video Card - Matrox G400, latest Drivers.
Sound Card - Creative Labs sound card, older model, not
Live!
Hard Drive - 1 WD 80 8 meg cache, SE, 1 8.4 maxtor -- for
backup purposes

I <b>REALLLYYYYYY</b> need to get this problem fixed. I need for this box to be really stable. It's pretty stable once it gets past the startup, but i need it to start up fine everytime. Please render your suggestions, no matter how stupid you think they may be. Thanks in advance.