BlueMooner: Hmm, it sounds like your problem might not just be the older system, but character build as others have suggested. As Azilut said, basic knowledge of D&D rules is kinda required for these games. Have you read walks for the various games in order to get help with character building? Poor builds can really make your game drag out, and if you're not familiar with D&D concepts, this might be the cause of your difficulties.
Read the edit of my last post.
In playing Deus Ex, what did you think of the FPP? DId you enjoy that? Did that make the game more enjoyable, even if you didn't like it overall?
I'll tell you that I only play games with stories (with rare exception). That's essential to me. I grew up with D&D RPG and I've always loved the interactive story aspect of it. I initially only played fantasy CRPGs, as I didn't imagine I'd like anything else. However, I heard so much praise about the others I mentioned, that even though they weren't fantasy, I played them and loved them. I loved the conspiracy story in DE. I loved the Jedi aspect of KOTOR and the story (2 more than 1). Gothic 1 and 2 have good stories, and they're fantasy. Bloodlines is perhaps my favorite CRPG, as it has an amazing story IMHO, despite being set in modern times. If you love games with stories, I strongly recommend them. Plus, while there is combat, the combat isn't long, drawn out battles, so you should enjoy them more.
i liked the FPP in deus ex, i could look around for stuff in ALL the corners of the room and it also made the game tense from time to time because i was a stealthy character and being stealthy is (in my opinion) only possible in FPP
also i've already played bloodlines, i really like the game and the only real problem i had with it was the sewer section and the HUGE jump in difficulty near the end