Yeah Microsoft can be pretty dodgey at times, but sometimes, they've got bugs in their releases (patches) and you need to make sure ALL available updates are installed.
Log on, and go to Start, All Programs, Windows Update (assuming you're running WinXP?). Do you have Service Pack 2? It's a big update, but should be ok with Broadband.
When you're in the Windows Updates (online), do a Custom update, and pick EVERYTHING you can.
Install all updates, and see how you go.
You could also, unplug the USB device from the Motherboard, and start up your PC, then shut it down, and plug them back in, and restart. Hopefully it will pick them up...