Just to check but have you checked the disk for errors with chkdsk (or a similar tool)? I've had format problems corrupt files and then they could crash MC on import and playing (if the files were already in the library before they got corrupted).
Check MC's logfile (Go to Help --> Configure Debug Logging to turn on import logging and then crash it) and figure out which files are causing it specifically. Then test those files in another player (I've had them actually crash Windows Explorer when you select them before).
The only reason I mention this was that I personally have had problems with Maxtor drives in the past (and some external drives in general). That's why I've standardized on high-quality drives (I use WD RE drives and I've never had bad-sector problems or bit-rot), set up a RAID5, and invested in some backup capacity. If you find errors with chkdsk (especially bad sectors) you could have a bunk drive.
For internal disks, another potential sore spot could be the Drive Controller. Are you using an on-board controller or an aftermarket one? Is it the Chipset one or one of the "add-ons" that motherboard manufacturers add sometimes? What chipset/make/model is it? (I ask because I've also personally had problems with VIA chipsets of all types, with some older Promise controllers, and with the NVRaid utility with recent nVidia chipsets.) If you continually get "bit rot" but are never seeing bad sectors (and a reformat generally helps for a little while till it appears again), take a good look at the drive controller and drivers.