Rainy,
I had an issue along time ago with parts of Norton not liking to let go or turn off and so it took longer and longer for my laptop to turn off. I can't remember the actual tech explaination but sure enough it really was something with it that likes to stay in process. I know this sounds vague and not very reassuring but it was real.
Perhaps you have some bloated program that is "hanging on" there as you click off and it is keeping you from getting a nice quick clean "off". Hope this helps....
Paul
