According to Microsoft, this is an issue with SQL Server 2000 when you when it compiles a delete query that contains sub-queries that use "NOT IN" *or* you have a SELECT statement on a view that has many subqueries. Apparently, Service Pack 4 fixes it. They also claim you can try to add the OPTION (MAXDOP 1) query hint onto your query (if it's the DELETE).

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/885442
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=830466

Here's another potentially useful discussion:

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=1159898&page=1

Hope this helps.