slow milkdrop and menus when not active window (1 Viewer)

[citizenkeys]

when media portal is the active window on the taskbar:
* i get very smooth animations from one menu to the next.
* i get very smooth visuals in milkdrop when mediaportal (not milkdrop!) is the active window (40 fps, according to milkdrop itself).

when mediaportal is *NOT* the active window:
* menu animations are WAY slow and frequently skip
* milkdrop gets WAY slow (average 9 fps, according to milkdrop itself).

I have tried increasing the mediaportal process as high as real-time and it makes no difference.

how can i fix this?


TV-Server Version: whatever comes with mediaportal 1.0.2.0 release version
MediaPortal Version: 1.0.2.0.
MediaPortal Skin: project mayhem iii
Windows Version: windows xp sp3 32-bit
CPU Type: dual core celeron 1.8ghz
HDD: 160 GB
Memory: 1 gb
Motherboard: intel 965 express (laptop - acer 5315)
Video Card: integrated intel 965 w/ 8 megs dedicated memory
Video Card Driver: latest intel release divers
Sound Card: integrated intel 965 audio
Sound Card AC3:
Sound Card Driver: latest intel release drivers
1. TV Card: Hauppauge HVR-150 USB
1. TV Card Type: hardware analog/atsc/qcam
1. TV Card Driver: latest release drivers fom hauppauge
MPEG2 Video Codec:
MPEG2 Audio Codec:
h.264 Video Codec:
Satelite/CableTV Provider: comcast
HTPC Case:
Cooling:
Power Supply:
Remote: Hauppauge 49-button remote
TV: Epson EX50 Projector using vga connection
TV - HTPC Connection: