Give it a gentle thump.
On a more serious note, you should make sure you have XP, b/c it sounds like a Vista problem.
no sir its a problem of the printer itself. This is common among multifunctional printers. Happened to me exactly the same (i see docs @ qeue, had to turn off on the printer), also i dont really like the printer spooler from windows, it fails bigtime!
Stellastart->config->control panel->system->general tab = you see here what you have installed.
Now, right now it might be working fine after you uninstalled everything but my advice is to uninstall that lucky printer driver, turn off the printer, install again the drivers, plug the printer when its required, turn it on when its required and it should work all fine. No need to have a mess right?
As for the printer itself, i would recommend you a laser color one because, even though its more expensive as in the base cost, the cost x printed page is lower and you really dont wanna spend a shitload of money on those jewish ink cartridge which end costing as much as the printer.
I love laser technology, but theres a new one being developed by xerox, which is crayon based.
sorry for being a geek i hate myself now hahah