For some reason when I start up my COMPUTER it goes to a blank screen and the only thing I SEE is a _ blinking in very top left hand corner it does that for about 6-15 minutes and then it starts up slowly but normally, I also noticed that SHUTTING down is taking longer than usual. Also now my audio KEEPS turning on and off like when I play something low my soundcard will shut off and when I play something loud it will turn on. *censored*? someone plz help!If I were you, the first thing I will do is to clean the computer.. Dusting it off and the sort... Then probably, reseating all, memory, videocard, or any add-on for that matter...Will it start OK into Safe Mode? Keep tapping F8 key, when your computer starts, until you see screen like this:

I did that and it goes to the blank screen still flashing the _ and then it asks me if i want to go into safe mode or normal startup about 5-15 mins laterNeed...more...info...gasp

Operating system / antivirus & antispyware protection / service packs installed / when did it start happening / did it ever work right / installed any new software?

Alan <>< Ahhh- so the delay occurs while loading the boot loader. maybe the disk is having trouble reading NTLDR? Start in Recovery Console and do a chkdsk /p . At the very least it will remove disk error as a possible cause.