Delete file in Explorer takes 60 seconds

[Mark Spohr]

I've had this problem for months with WinXP Prof.
When I delete a file in Explorer, it takes about 60 seconds
of constant disk activity to complete the deletion.
It doesn't matter how big the file is... even very small
files take 60 seconds.
If I immediately delete a second file, it will complete
quickly (1-2 seconds).
However, after some other computer activity I delete a file
again, it again takes 60 seconds.

Any ideas what is causing this and how to fix this?

/Mark