If you can run in safe mode without locking up... and if you turn off all of the startup group, you still have a problem... you are most likely having a problem with a driver.
Try this:
While in safe mode...
Go to start>>run>>msconfig.
Choose selective startup.
Take the checks out of Process System.ini and Process Win.ini.
Click apply>>ok>> and reboot normally.
Do you freeze up with these two unchecked?
If you do not, you need to look for drivers for your hardware. Which drivers are you using for your video card? The detonator 3's can be found here. Give them a shot. Do you have the latest motherboard drivers? I believe that particular board uses a VIA chipset. If it does you can find the drivers here.
Start digging and make sure you have the latest.
If, after you uncheck those to items from msconfig, you still have a freeze up problem.... Go back to msconig and do a totally clean boot by unchecking everything underneath Selective startup. If you can run normally after doing this, you need to do a little troubleshooting with msconfig, selectively checking things until you find the culprit.
Good luck!