Hi all hoping someone can help me before I crack!

I have two external storage devices hooked into my FIREWIRE PORTS. One day the computer stopped recognizing the devices. Device manager does not show any conflicts or issues...to try and resolve this issue I have done the following tasks:

1) Update the drivers of the devices
2) Upgraded from Vista to Windows 7
3) Uninstalled the iee from device manager and rebooted
4) Unplugged the devices and rebooted
5) From research on the INTERNET thought it might have been a registry issue...knew I was getting scammed but bought one of those registry cleaner softwares
6) Have not plugged the device into another computer yet....I know it will work and then I will probably resort to the fetal position

Any help, guidance assistance is appreciateNo. Noting that would be clear and simple.

There are a lot, I mean a LOT of malicious software out there. One trick they do is to mess with your drivers in such a way that you can not fix it until you REALLY get rid of the malicious software. If you ever do.

Personally, I have had little results using conventional wisdom in getting rid of such @#$%. Short of erasing the system and starting all over again.

If the devices do work on another system, suspect malicious software. Software drivers don't just 'wear out' like hardware devices. But if it is hardware, the only solution is to replace the bad stuff.How are they reported in Disk Management ? ?
Were they prematurely diisconnected ?