Disk Consistency Check at Startup with Win XP

I realize that this is not a new problem as I have seen similar problems listed several times already on the forum...however, I haven't found any listing that have helped me so far so here goes...

I have a Dimension 8100 running Windows XP Home edition with SP1.

Recently, everytime I start up my computer, I get the blue screen that tells me that "One of your disks need to be checked for consistency".  It then goes on to tell me that the check can be cancelled by pressing any key.  This does not seem to work for me as no matter what key I press on my USB connected keyboard, the count down for me to cancel the check continues.  Windows then goes on to complete the file and folder verifications and then verifies the free space (approx a 1 to 2 hr process total for just a 80 gig hard drive).  The process then ends and says that "Windows has checked the file system and found no problem".  It then goes to my windows desktop, which appears to be the same (minus a few icons in my system tray).  My questions are as follows.

1.  How do I get this check to stop occurring each time I start up my PC?  (Note:  I am not aware of any improper shutdowns and I have already run chkdsk /f with no success)

2. Why am I unalbe to cancel the check by pressing any key when prompted?

Any help that you could provide in helping me correct my problems once and for all would be truly appreciated.

Thanks,

dlsjr

ps.  Sorry for the earlier blank messages that were posted...I got a little carried away with my mouse.