DVD performance loss on windows 2000?

[quagmire]

recently upgraded from windows ME to 2000.

running 700k athlon
32mb tnt2 video card
512mb sd ram
128 creative vibra sound
16 speed nec dvd
20 gig hd (50% used)

since my upgrade i have noticed a shocking degradation in dvd playback (using powerdvd). i decided to upgrade powerdvd to a newer version, no change
the audio is stuttered badly and the video doesn't seem to be much different.
used to run dvds perfectly well, now i cant watch them at all.
have unloaded the latest audio and video drivers for my audio and video cards relative to the new o/s.
could it be that my windows upgrade has reduced performance to the point that good dvd playback is impossible on my current system?
if not what avenue should i go down? upgrading my o/s has upset many of my functions.
if i do need to upgrade my hardware, what is likely to be my weakest link? ie vga card, processor, RAM....?

any help appreciated..:\

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

quagmire,

Before we start throwing parts at your computer, lets make sure it is properly configured.

For starters Right Click on your Hard Drive and DVD Drive and go to Properties. Make sure both have a checkmark in DMA. If your DVD is in PIO Mode, that could be your problem.

Take Care,

Richard