Laptop always sounds like it's running or loading something.

So while my desktop computer is away to be diagnosed, I've returned to my old laptop (specs below; the specs on my profile page are for my desktop) for the time being. I noticed today while casually browsing that it constantly sounds like it's running/loading (or trying to) something in the background, settles down for a few seconds, then returns to ... whatever it is it's doing. I can't tell if it's the fan or something else that's making the noise, but it's been kind of bothering me for a while.

I haven't used it personally for about 6 months but my Mum's been using it from time to time, so hasn't been completely inactive since I got my new computer in August. I suppose it could be there's some sort of background application(s) running in the background I'm not aware of, but I don't know which ones would be safe to turn off or stop from starting up (or w/e it is I need to do). At the end of the day, I suppose it could be that it's just old (it's a little over 6-years-old now), so it's bound not to work as soundly as before. But still, some suggestions and assistance wouldn't hurt.

Laptop's specs:

CPU: Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU T4500 @ 2.30GHz
Motherboard: TOSHIBA Portable PC
BIOS: InsydeH2O Version 1.70
Total Memory: 4.00 GB Usable: 3.87 GB
HDD: Hitachi HTS545050B9A300
Sound Card: Conexant SmartAudio HD
Graphics Card: (1) Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family (2) Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1

It's probably win update running on the background. Run it manually to see if it's up to date.

Do you have an antivirus? Is it up to date?

Run the SuperAntiSpyware portable SUPERAntiSpyware - SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scanner

Both Windows and my antivirus (COMODO) are up to date, so it isn't that.

I actually do have a usb-cooling stand already, but I noticed that when I plugged it in and watch the temps through SpeedFan, it just ... got warmer. Which is concerning to say the least.

It might be the cpu fan,graphics card fan or the hard disk,cd drive

my bet its another third party prog
Adobe/tune-up prog/printer etc.

Roy

I guess he is pointing out to a hardware sound.