BleepingComputer.com: Sudden Slowdown of Programs

As of a Couple Days ago, my computer has been suffering a strange problem. Many programs (Such as Gaming programs) that originally take up a good amount of CPU and Memory, now for some reason are taking up much, much more CPU and Memory than previously. Many Programs that once could run at around 20 FPS now run at less than 10 Fps, nearing 2 Fps. Even browsers such as Firefox appear to be taking up much more CPU than before.

I've run Scans from AVG, SpyBot S+D, and Ad-Aware, Each has only turned up a few minor Tracking Cookies and Worms, nothing that has resulted in a Fix of the problem

HijackThis dosen't report much that seems out of the ordinary, Aside from a 'Wormradar' Which I had deemed Unnneccesary and removed. I've also tried ending unnecessary Processes, though this does provide some of a boost, it's still not enough to be able to counter this problem.

My last fear would be if this is a Hardware problem, Which I really, really hope it isn't. This laptop I've bought 4 Months ago.

Specs:
Acer Aspire 6930
Intel Core Duo CPU, 2.00 GHz, 2.00 GHz
3.00 GB RAM
32-Bit Windows Vista

CrimsonEon,
Couple of suggestions:
Have you checked what processes are running to see if any renegades are present?
Do you have System restore active?
If so have you done a Disc Clean (to clear out Temp and temp Internet Files) + selected the More Options tab to remove all but the last System restore point.
It's possible that you are running out of space on your main partition (assuming you have more than one).
What setting do you have for your Paging File?
Paul