Copying from CF PCMCIA Reader Slows computer to near halt

h.... e.... l .. l .........o.

:)  That's what's it's like typing right now, while I'm copying files from my SanDisk CompactFlash card ontop my i8500 via a PCMCIA Card Reader.  This is a fresh install of XP Pro SP1, and I don't believe that I used to have this problem.  While the copy is taking place, the system slows down to a completely unusable speed.  Is this normal?  It's so slow, in fact, that I typed about half a sentence before any of it got written to the screen. :)

I think I would have noticed this before, since I use my CF cards quite a bit, but maybe I'm just noticing it now for the first time.  Anyone have any ideas or settings that I should check out? 

It happens with multiple CF cards, so I don't think it's card related.

Thanks!

-Ryan