Lag problems (general)

I probably could have posted this just about anywhere, but it seems to specifically target online games.

My problem is very high ping, but not steadily high ping instead I get enormous spikes every second or two whenever I try to play an online game.

I turned off the windows firewall, tried playing with Wireless Zero on and off, and recently got rid of my virus detection software because it sucked. I've tried deleting my various network devices, reinstalling them and updating the drivers to no avail. I've made sure my laptop was sparkly clean, absolutely no traces of any viruses or spyware. I never have anything running in the background and have also checked for ADS's, finding none, however, the problem persists.

It appears in both Counter-Strike (original) and lately Unreal Tournament (original), both older games which I used to be able to play without this specific problem but now can't seem to get working online. UT I can play offline without any difficulties which is one reason I think I'm experiencing the same problem that I get in CS, originally believing it was one of those nice Steam-specific problems.

So, any advice or should I just contact HP tech support and pray?

 

im having the same problem......while playing bf2 online....and i use cable.
i used to not have this problem.... any ideas??