Since it may affect things, here are the details of the only hardware I have available for testing entries (I'm currently staying with family during the week, for work, so I only have access to my PC).

I have upgraded my machine to the following specs:-

Athlon 64 X2 3600+ (1.9GHz)
2GB PC5400 DDR RAM
256MB GeForce 7600GT

Everything else about my machine has remained the same, with the exception of some additional storage and I now have the option to use more standard audio hardware in the form of an AC97 compatible 6.1 capable on-board device.

I have my PS2 joypad available if required.