Spinning wheel after clean install web browers

[Malus002]

Hey guys this is my first post but this is my first official problem I have ever had with a macbook. Please bare with me

Ok so my Fiance has this macbook 2.16 ghz (2007) with 2gig of ram, 160gb HD.

The problem
---The computer gets spinning wheel for 3 minutes / locks up using web browsers firefox/safari and in other apps. We are talking about general surfing the web, Facebook, Google, Email, News...etc She has Plants Vs Zombies and I know it can run that, but it still gets spinning wheel in that.

What I have done
---Did a fresh clean install (put snow leopard, and fully updated)
---monitored the activity (couldn't tell from anything)
---about to take it to genius bar (Low on $$$)

My opinion
---I think its hardware, but what?

Please help me......Thanks!

 

[angelwatt]

Hard drive is a potential hardware issue here with those symptoms. Mac Rumors has a small guide on drive health that you can look over. Also be sure to see the links at the bottom of that page for other resources.

Here's an article on 5 Mac utilities for hardware.