Of course it is getting old. Aren't we all.
This is a long in the tooth laptop with a small amount of RAM, small HD and a relatively slow processor.
OS 10.3.9 is probably as high as I would attempt with this machine.
First thing I would try is to run the Disk Utility and Repair Permissions. This fixes a bunch of problems and may solve all of yours at once.
If it doesn't, it may be time to do an Archive and Install of the OS. You do have your OS X installations disks?
If the permissions thing does not help, post back here with more info, OS version for instance, for further assistance.
P
Recently, I have had some problems on iBook Combo Drive...I think. I like to view DVD's and lately I've been getting these dots on the screen in a grid pattern. It changes according to the contrast or brightness of the screen. It only happens while the movie is in progress. The desktop and quicktime are unaffected. Also, I need to open the tray with a paper clip now. The eject button on the keyboard won't work nor will the eject tab on a controller.
Also, I have a recent issue with iPhoto. After the program opens up, I try to scroll through the library and the program will crash.
I have a G3 800 Mhz 640SDRAM 30 GB HD. Is this computer getting old like me?

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