windows gets stuck resume screen coming back sleep h

Wondering if anybody else is having the same issue...
The computer goes to sleep/hibernation without any problems. However, when I try to resume from the sleep/hibernation, it gets stuck on the screen saying "Windows is resuming from sleep (or hibernation)..." and I have no other choice but restart. The only thing that I can do is move the mouse - no other key combination works.
Also, windows gets stuck on the screen when you try to shut it down. So, I have to restart it or turn it off the "hard way."
I am running a PC 3.2 GHz, 1.5 G of ram, 256 MBs Radeon 6600, 250 G of HD. The hardware has no problems.
I have consulted one of the "computer techs" that I know, and he says the issue might be with BIOS. He says that I should have tweaked with it before installing the Vista.
Any ideas how to go around to correct the problem?