Because of the problems today, I defragged today. I have my computer set up to defrag every 3 days by default.
You don't have a wireless network in your house, do you?
It is not as stable as 98se, and as bad as 95 if it runs for a long time without a OS re-install. It also makes for a lousy upgrade to XP. I had to wipe the disc and clean install xp.
If it keep up, I would try deleting the printer in the system device list, unplug it from the port and restart. Then reinstall and restart.
That should make sure it overwrites the drivers and print spooler stuff.
Failing that, I might re-install the OS which should keep everything, but MS e-mail and may screw up explorer, or, buy a new printer!:-)
Like I said, ME is a pain.
Something else, you could try a system restore. You may have corrupted your drivers etc, by installing some other program.
That is about it. A printer reinstall would be my first choice.