COD2 SLI hardware and settings

MoBo: AsusM2N4-SLI NF4 SLI AM2
GPU: EVGA GeForce 7600 GS R (two of these)
CPU: AMD 64 X2 4600+ 65W (2.4Ghz) AM2
RAM: 2GB Corsair DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) (1GBx2)
HD: Seagate 250GB 16MB Cache 7200 RPM
DVD Burner: Sony X18
PSU: Xion 600W SLI
Case: Scorpio ATX Gaming case, comes with 3- 80mm fans and a 420W PSU (replacing with above)

Alright, I've had the above set-up now for about a week. I have a few questions that hopefully someone might help with.

Optimize for SLI keeps reverting back to "No" after re-starting the game. I have the SLI enabled in the BIOs and in the Nvidia control panel. Am I missing something or is this normal?

I would have thought that with the equipment I've put togther that I would be able to run everything at nearly the highest settings using DX9c, but I cannot. While the picture looks really great, performance is way down (lagging, skipping, poor FPS in general-particularly on leafy maps). Have to use DX 7 w/ lower sttings. Not sure if I've done something wrong?

Finally, I've purchased a new LCD monitor (20.1" wide screen - res 1680x1050 @ 75hz). And even on lower settings it is a vast improvement, however, I would like to get all I can out of this stuff.

I've read through a few tweaking guides and mostly came away with "just try different settings until satisfactory". I've messed with different combinations and as I said it is definitely better since the new LCD, but I was expecting more.

OS is XP Pro SP2
Thanks for any input.