M15x won't go into standby mode anymore!

I've had my m15x for about 3-4 years now and all of a sudden I've been having a lot of problems with it. Just recently it slowed way down and then the blue screen of death would come up, but it hasn't returned in awhile. But now, the button in the start menu that used to put the computer into a standby or sleep mode is now turning off the laptop completely and when highlighted says: "closes all programs, shuts off windows, and then turns off your computer" Then when I click the arrow to open up the other options, the sleep tab is in grey and won't allow me to select it. I've tried changing the power settings, but it says that button is supposed to be sleep mode so I don't know what I should change.
If anyone has had this happen to them or has any suggestions for how to fix it I would really appreciate it!
Thanks!

 

Virus or malware perhaps?
Do you have an anti-virus/malware software you can utilize to crossing this off the list?
Also, you could do a fresh Windows 7 install (or whatever OS you're running) and it should solve your problem. A fresh install every so often never hurt!

 

Well have AVG and recently scanned my laptop, but I'll try scanning again as well as reinstalling vista. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

If you want you could always try MalwareBytes, it's always worked for me!
No problem and Good luck!

 

Try to upgrade to Win7 or use XP. Vista have too much flaws and it is heavier than win7.

 

Preferably go to Win7.
If you do want to go with XP, though, refer to this thread for more info.