Unnecessary checks of drives

I was wondering if there is any way that I can get my computer’s system to stop checking disks in my floppy drive and external zip drive? I have Windows ME I never had this problem with any other computer or system this frequently (checks every 45-60 minutes). I can’t do anything on my computer while it is checking and all my applications run a lot slower after the check. Is there any system file I can get into to change this setting (I don’t see a constant need to check the drives)? If there is and I do this, will there be problems caused on my computer?