Shut Down doesn't work

[Guest]

Lately my computer has been freezing up on me. I try opening task manager but
it doesn't work. Then I press the power button on my computer and that
doesn't do anything. So after a while I just get impatient and pull the power
cord from the back of my computer. I know that that is really stupid but I
dunno what else to do. Is there a step that I'm missing? What other choice do
I have? I know I'm messing up my computer from this because now when I shut
down my computer it takes forever...and I end up pulling the cord yet again.
!@#$@ I've ran ad-aware and norton to see if I have any bad stuff making my
computer freeze but it doesn't seem like it. What could I do to fix all this.
Help me please.
I have a compaq presario 6024US.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Evolution]

XP Shutdown Troubleshooter:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.php

 

[Guest]

Hold the power button for 5 sec and the comp will shout down preventing any
damage. It's better that your way of shouting it down.