It all started when the computer would freeze on the Windows Start Page and Safe mode wouldn't work. So I got the repair disc and got the computer restarted and working fine as I thought. If I have My External HDD on during start up it freezes the computer, but turned off it works fine. But anytime while the computer is on and I start it up it freezes a couple seconds after and I must restart. I tried other USB devices thinking maybe its the external, but any USB attachment will freeze the computer. I updated the BIOS, reinstalled Windows, and it was no use. I was wondering since it seems to be a hardware problem if a PCI USB Controller would fix the problem, or if there was any other software based solutions I can try. Thank you. "If confusion is the first step to knowledge, I must be a genius." ...Larry Leissner...

Start with event viewer for more clues. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

Are you using at least service pack 1 on the WinXP install?

Are you connecting to a USB port directly on the motherboard or a remote (front of case type)?

In the case that you cannot get the problem fixed, I would think that there is a very good chance that a PCI USB card would work ok. They usually have their own bios.

Did you reinstall the mobo drivers?

Try this: Start your computer, hold down the CTRL key and press F11.