HP2133 hangs during boot

[Ben Nevis]

[1]I have a new HP 2133 mini-note laptop with Vista installed and 2Gb RAM. I want to install linux since i'm told it runs faster but I want to keep Windows on the machine.
[2]I bought a Ubuntu Live USB to enable me to boot to Linux and try it.
[3]It boots but it hangs up after the 2nd Ubuntu logo and the "drums and heavenly choir" sound fade out. The screen shows what looks like a blank desktop background and goes no further.
[4]Can someone give me a clue on how to get it to complete booting up?

[PmDematagoda]

Try doing this at the login screen, go to Options>Sessions and then select GNOME Fail-Safe, then try logging in and see if you can do so properly.

[earlycj5]

Boot in safe graphics mode.