I'm getting an iPod Shuffle, which apparently only powers and updates through a USB port.  My PC laptop does not have a USB port at all,though it has Firewire and a place for some type of card (I think it's an Ethernet card SLOT.)  I've looked ONLINE (and asked people I know) about what I should get to solve my problem of not having a USB port, but I've confused myself with all of the options for USB cards (do they go in the Ethernet slot?) and USB to Serial cables (I'm not sure if I have a Serial, uh, place.)  I know I need USB 2.0, and it needs to be ABLE to power the iPod shuffle.  Can someone help?  I'm looking for the cheapest solution.
It's called a PCMCIA slot ("place for some type of card").
You can purchase  PCMCIA USB cards in a variety of flavors.  Just check the specs on the cards as you look at them.  Make sure they are USB 2.0 and will provide adequate power over USB.

You will also need to make sure the card is supported on your operating system and comes with the APPROPRIATE drivers.

Here is one for about $25.00, but you need to make sure it is compatible with your laptop.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10348695&loc=101&sp=1 Quote

...it has Firewire and a place for some type of card ...