AOL locks up at launch

I have a problem that occurs when AOL is launched after boot. The problem only occurs the first time after a boot. It starts to launch and then freezes (pointer with hourglass). If you then open up the Task Manager there is always one task that is "not responding". It is not always the same task (usually it is the task that is at the top of the list) and sometimes it is AOL itself that is "not responding". If you were to end that task then AOL will continue. In subsequent attempts AOL launches normally. I called Technical support and they suggested that it was a TSR that was conflicting. I get the problem even if I disable AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS, WIN.INI and the STARTUP GROUP ITEMS. Unfortunately, this problem has existed for quite a while (since shortly after they started using AOL V3 (have upgraded to V5) and has carried through to the present V7). They are running Windows98 (upgraded from Windows95). I have applied all the updates for Windows98 and just need to be pointed in the right direction to resolve the problem. Are there any known startup conflicts with AOL. I am hoping that you will be of assistance. Please let me know if there is any other information that you need. Thank you for your time - Steve