Do you have any other printers, if so do they take the same time.
I`m assuming you have 1 computer that is connected by USB to the printer and are trying to print from that. As in not trying to print over a network.
First thing I would try is going into control panel -> printers and deleting any unused printers.
If that doesn`t work uninstall the epson software and see if you can just install the printer driver, ie without all the managment software.
Usually just plugging the printer in will get windows to detect the printer, it may have a driver already for it, if not it can check on windows update for one. This is a basic install, you will still have full use of the printer and all its functions just without some fancy big colourful software guiding you through it.
Its possible there are other programs running that are slowing it down, got into Start -> All programs -> startup and delete anything that doesn`t need to be there.
Then got to start -> run and type msconfig, click the startup tab and it will list all the programs that start with the computer, again disable any that are not needed, you can stretch the command section so you can get a good idea of what the program is. Don`t forget to apply, Restart the computer and try again.
Have a look at all the icons next to the clock, theres probably a few there and you don`t know what they are for, if you right click on them most will have an option to disable the system tray icon or auto run feature, do this on as many as possible. The only thing you need down there is usually your antivirus software and network card driver. When you`ve done that restart again.
If its still slow try running a spyware scanner, these usually only affect the internet but its always worth a try, spybot and adaware are quite popular ones, you can get them free from www.download.com
Lots of programs clog up your computer up because they think they should be running all the time when they are rarely used.
Hope this helps, not sure what I would try after that.
All the best
Gerald.