sorry you're right....in XP its Internet Options. 'twas settings in some versions of 9X and the memory lasts....
If you have IE8 installed it should be the first item listed under "advanced"
Exact wording is "use software rendering instead of hardware"
Tick that. If its NOT there then you're probably using an out of date version of IE...so upgrade
However, you also need to do the usual: remove all toolbars, try disabling plugins, scan for malware in exactly the same way as I advised earlier in this thread. And make sure Java and Flash are up to date (if installed)
The "reset" button on that "advanced" tab is often a lifesave. Just remember to re-enable any AV plugins afterwards