Win ME mapping(?) slows with # of files in directory

Hi and help,

I have a server set up using SuSE 7.2 through a Netgear
WGR614 and Netgear wireless cards.

Naturally I communicate with the server via Samba. I have
one laptop running Win 98 that has no problems accessing
directories on the server. Pulls the directories up very
quickly. On the other hand, I have a second laptop
running Win ME that takes a progressively longer time to
access and display the contents of a directory
(progressive with # of files in directory).

For example, I have one folder and three files in one
directory. It takes maybe 2 or 3 seconds to display. In
the one folder I have maybe 20 other folders and hundreds
of files. When I try to access the one folder, the window
changes to reflect the one folder, but the computer is
busy trying to access (?) the contents. After 30 seconds
or so of nothing appearing in the window, I look at my
task manager and the director reads "Not responding". I
have cut the contents of the directory to maybe 20 files
and a few folders to test, and the computer eventually
accesses the directory and displays the contents but it
takes maybe 30 seconds.

Is this a mapping issue? Could this be a virus? I've
tried making the Win ME network settings looks like the
Win 98 network settings (as close as I could). For my Net
Adapter and Windows Client settings, ME only give me the
option to bind to TCP/IP or IPX/SPX (doesn't include both
in window), so this is one difference.

Any suggestions? Any help would be appreciated.

Mike