Weird Win2k Problem

[len3]

I do IT work for a living and I'm having a problem on my home laptop
that I can't figure out. It seems that after a certain amount of time:
(Win 2k pro, sp3, 320Mb ram)

1) Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1) in win 2k pro will stop responding to
page down and page up scroll commands. Normally these keys work. They
work fine in textboxes in internet explorer windows.

2) certain Java Chat programs (AWT apps) will not allow any keyboard
inputs in the textbox, and seem to highlight every entry in the java
listbox as i move my mouse over the items(like the left mouse button is
stuck and firing a continuous left click event). Other Java forms seem very unresponsive to mouseclicks.

3) System will not shut off monitor (screen is always on no matter what timeout is set).

When it first happens, all windows below the topmost ones cannot get focus, and i have to use task switcher to retrieve the windows.
After this, everyting works fine except for the problems descibed above.

The system is apparently virus free and there is a firewall.
Ive noticed this problem happen when the laptop fans come on, and ive
disabled all power features in the bios. This PC has no manual fan control. I also noticed if the fans remain on there are no problems (im pretty sure). I cant see how the fan could affect windows - but who knows. I dont know what relationship windows has with the fans.

Also, The Legacy APM mode on this computer produces weird events -
like the mouse jumping around and random mouseclicks. I usually disable this feature. The machine wont go back to normal unless I reboot. Im wondering if I should install with an ACPI 2k system.

The laptop is orphaned 366Mhz (no more support) with a award 4.51PGM
bios. Its made by ams tech (rodeo 3500) and chicony if that helps and is identical to the Micron Transport NX except for an extra keyboard pointer. Otherwise this PC runs win2k very smoothly and I use it for visual studio development work and a 24/7 home internet share/router. Any ideas?

Also, Im tempted to upgrade the bios to the latest one for the Transport NX. This machines is listed as compatable with windows 2K. These machines were supposedly identical when I bought it. Im also looking to upgrade the HD past 32Gb , and I think my bios has the limtation. Is there a way to know for sure except buying the HD?

However I dont want to kill an otherwise great laptop(15" screen quality would cost alot to replace with a new one) with a bad bios upgrade. Any suggestions? Is there a way to back up the bios?