Windows Protection Error **Hell** !!!

[Goodlife7]

This is a problem I have experienced ever since I have used my new computer.
Whenever I "Restart in MS-DOS Mode", I get a message saying "Windows
Protection Error. Restart your computer." There is also one Dos program
that I run from windows that will give me this protection error. I am an
advanced computer user, but this problem has stumped me for several weeks.

System Specs:

Athlon 1900+
ASUS A7V266-E with Via 4-1 drivers installed.
Windows 98 Operating System
Soundblaster Live
Creative Geforce2 GTS
56k Modem
Cable Internet Card
DVD-ROM
CD-RW
2 Hard Drives
Promise Ultra100 Controller

I have tried disabling and unplugging all these devices one by one, except
the video card, but nothing works.
I believe it is a software or hardware memory confict or a problematic bios
setting.
Here is one clue. I normally have the emm386 memory manager off. When it
is off the computer will just shut down immediately if I try to boot
MS-Dos mode (without any warning). However if I turn emm386 on for
troubleshooting, it will "catch" my computer
before it shuts down giving me the "Windows Protection Error. Restart your
computer." message.

Other things I have tried without any luck are disabling of all config.sys
and autoexec.bat commands (except for loading himem.sys) and bypassing all
non-essential windows device drivers (ie vxd) during step by step
confirmation windows load.

I am able to enter ms-dos prior to starting windows by the F8 menu method
and selecting "command prompt". However I cannot enter if after windows has
started it. I have seen these windows protection errors discussed on the
net, but it is usually during windows startup, not during "Restart into
MS-Dos mode. I am looking for a solution, without doing a clean install of
windows. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!