IE 6 takes too long to load first URL

IE ver: 6.0.2800 on the Win98SE system. The latest IE through MS updates on the 2000 system.
I am running both Win98SE and 2000 on the same computer and HDD.
I also have FireFox (ver 1.5.0.6).
FF, once loaded, goes from the homepage to the URL I select right away.

But, after IE loads to the homepage, it takes over one minute to go to Yahoo, Google or any other page. It seems to hang on detecting Proxy settings.
However, once I get off the homepage and onto the first URL, it seems to be normal.
I am running McAfee on the 98SE and NSW2003Pro on the 2000.
I am also running ZA Pro on both systems.
Originally, IE worked just fine on both systems,along with FF.
Any ideas on why IE is having problems 'detecting proxy settings'?
Thanks

Are you using a proxy server? If not you probably don't have to use autoconfigure at all. If you are using one, just set the settings manually so it doesn't have to look.

Thanks, I used the manual setting and it works fine now.
Still don't know why it just started happening in the last month or so.
Thanks again. :D