Sounds like one of you mass storage devices has become 'iffy'
First try booting into Safe Mode (Ctrl or F8 key at boot-up) and check
Device Manager for yellow exclamation marks.
Also take a look at "Removing a storage device may cause the system to stop
responding" - note last paragraph of 'Cause'
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810900
Mart
> When I try to start up Windows ME it starts to load then
> gives a error message-- V X D Voltrack (04) then it tells
> me to press any key. The screen turns black with
> hourglass and cursor showing. the only to turn off
> computer is to disconnect it.