CPU is too slow in Vbox

[Meow27]

im not sure why, but i have noticed recently that my cpu is as slow as it normally would be when i activate all of the CPU draining features. normally i would have 1.7 GHz out of 2 GHz but right now i have merely 994 MHz

i dont understand why i have this issue right now and im not sure how to resolve it.

it tried reinstalling XP [guest] but that did make anything better, at least i know this is an issue from the host not the guest >.>

im running ubuntu 8.10 as a host if that helps..
thanks

edit- ive fiddled with the settings in the advanced general section, and i get no performance difference at all

[phrostbyte]

Is this a laptop?

[Meow27]

no this is a dell e521 desktop

[Meow27]

ok im using virtaulb box 2.1.4 and im noticing something really wierd

after i go beyond 50% (and virtual box recommends me going lower) xp has ~990 mhz, but when i have it lower, its back to 1.5 - 2 ghz

does anyone have the same issue?