...whenever I return to the desktop, significantly hampering performance. I have windows 98. Anyone have any suggestions? Is there any way to fix this?

I don't think Windows 2000 has this problem.

But then, I haven't touched a Microsoft OS in 8 months (thank God!), so who knows. I'd suggest abandoning Microsoft entirely.

If you're not using 98 SE (Second Edition) - Upgrade!

Take care :)