My Documents, Recycle Bin, etc not opening

Hello,

I have a Toshiba laptop with Windows XP. I'm unable to open My Documents, My Computer, Recycle Bin, Control Panel (in the start panel) or My Network Places on my desktop. If I try, my desktop freezes and I'm forced to shut down my computer and turn it back on.

My laptop works absolutely fine aside from this problem. I'd like to get some answers before shelling out money for a repair at a computer shop.