Ever since I re-installed XP my USB ports don't usually work; From TIME to time they seem to "kick in" but most often they dont. Now this sounds like a hardware problem, but I am sure it is windows based (my computer dual boots to mandrake Linux, which still utilizes USB perfectly). I cannot install SP2, which I have been told may repair my problem, so I am at a loss. I cant install sp2 b/c I have zero internet service, hence my need for a USB flash drive to move data around. I checked out the DEVICE Mngr where a yellow question mark sits beside my USB and my SMbus icons. I read that this was indicative of a MISSING chipset installation, so I went to ASUS.com and ran the most recent chipset tool for my board; Now one question mark no longer accompanies my SMbus, whereas the USB icon still has a yellow question mark next to it. I am right out of ideas and I would really appreciate any input this community may offer. Thanks : )Consider this: Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD.

What is the exact MODEL of your motherboard?The question really is why can't you install SP2 ? ?
It is a major system upgrade not just a security patch as others would call it...

Is this an "ahem" version of XP by CHANCE ? ?