DF2 suddenly freezing and then resuming

[Duke Pukem]

I have been playing DF2 for years. All of a sudden I noticed that out of no where (whether online or in quick missions) the game will just freeze or get suddenly veeeerrrrrrry slooooow, pause for a minute and then resume. Of course, by then i am dead. it is very frustrating. I updated graphix drivers, even installed a new graphics card, no difference. Today, I uninstalled game and reloaded, reloaded patch and still the same thing. I am at the point where I can't play the game anymore because it is so sketchy for performance. No other game I have does this. Has anyone see this or can you offer suggestions?? Thanks! -Duke Pukem...