uploading lockup with pictures

[suetum]

i run windows xp, laptop. prior to a few weeks ago i could upload my pics from my computer to kodak gallery, shutterfly, brookshires etc. now when i go to upload, even one pic at a time, it looks like it uploaded in file upload(little green bar moves) , but then screen locks up and i have to x out of program- i've let it sit there for a hour with nothing happening. average pic size is 1.2 mb, which is what i've uploaded in past. i contacted my isp and they ran tests and i could upload to email, so not their problem. i ran scandisk, defragger, and security scan. still can't upload any pics to any sites without lock up. incidentally, and i'm not sure this is pertinent....when i go to shut off my computer and everything i'm aware of is closed....a couple of odd things quickly show as "running" and then windows shuts them down.