How I can boost-up my hard disk speed?

Hello dear,
I am using Microsoft windows XP and I am having an issue with my hard disk drive. The problem I am facing is that my hard disk drive is not working well and my hard disk speed is very much slow than usual.
When ever I want to access the my computer, it take very much longer than usual and even if I open a folder it take almost two to three minutes to open. Moreover I am facing the issue of slow programs loading mean my programs like instant chat messengers and web browsers are also taking so much time to open. I have tried my best to solve this issue but I am not been able to do so.
To get rid of this problem I firstly checked my computer for viruses but I got to know that there is no virus. Secondly, I checked my hard disk via chkdsk command but no gain.
In the end I would like to say that I have applied my all methods which I know but none of them worked.
I want to know that how I can boost-up my hard disk speed?
If anyone has got any clue to solve this issue then please tell me? I shall be very thankful boss.
