Optimization and Integrity Checks started failing on Virtualised Server

Hi.
W've recently virtualised an number of our database servers . The Optimization and Integrity Check jobs have started failing with "Microsoft SQL-DMO (ODBC SQLState: 01000)] Error 0: This server has been disconnected. You must reconnect to perform this operation."
The failure seems to coincide with the virtualisation.Has anyone else experienced a similar problem .
SQL Server 2000 StandardEdition SP4
OS Name Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Version 5.0.2195 Service Pack 4 Build 2195
System Manufacturer VMware, Inc.
System Model VMware Virtual Platform
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 4 Stepping 2 AuthenticAMD ~2499 Mhz
BIOS Version PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0
Windows Directory C:WINNT
System Directory C:WINNTsystem32
Boot Device DeviceHarddisk0Partition1
Locale United States
Time Zone GMT Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 3,833,324 KB
Available Physical Memory 1,408,344 KB
Total Virtual Memory 10,643,124 KB
Available Virtual Memory 6,100,876 KB
Page File Space 6,809,800 KB
Page File Cagefile.sys