Printing from domain to workgroup

We use Windows XP workstations in a domain. We have 1
Win98 computer that cannot be upgraded due to software
incompatibility issues. The Win98 computer shares a
printer via file & print services. I can see the computer
and the printer from a WinXP workstation and install it
successfully. When I try to print to it, the PC locks up
for about 50 seconds then it prints and the PC is fine.
If I send another print job immediately, it prints fine
with no delay or lock up. If I wait about an hour then
print, it locks up again and I have to wait for the print
job. I'm assuming this is because the Win98 PC is not
part of the domain and the WinXP PC is having problems
finding it. I tried adding the Win98 PC to the hosts and
lmhosts file, but that did not help. Does anyone have any
suggestions?