I think it's finally fixed, AFTER reformatting the disc and of course not having anything to save any info or any knowledge on how to do that. Mainly just have to get my address book refilled on my OE, other than that no great loss.
OK, it shut down correctly once or twice after reformatting it. Then I reloaded the software for the digital camera I just bought for EBaying. Bigger'n'heck, won't shut down. I had already been experimenting with removing, reinstalling the software for that with spotty results.
What I ultimately did is downloaded new software from the camera manufacturers website. The camera came with version 3.3, which said it was "For Windows", and on the website they had a version 3.4, which specifically states, among other OS's "that worthless assed Windows ME". Oh wait, it didn't say "ME", it just said "that worthless assed Windows" and all us ME owners know what is implied.
Thanks for all the help, talk to ya in another 6 months
Gilly