nvidia drivers and usb problems

I downloaded new nvidia drivers because I was having problems with a game crashing to desktop (this was at the suggestion of the game producer Legacy Interactive.) I followed nvidia's instructions; everything seemed to go well, though the new drivers ultimately did not help the game's problem. My problem with usb became evident when I tried to play another game, a flight sim and my joystick, a USB Sidewinder PRO was not recognized(I had it plugged in on a usb port on my Dell 1704 lcd monitor..) the error message when I used the trouble shooting guide was that I needed to find another port for the joystick.  There followed a lot of tech language, so I decided that it was time to reverse the dirver install, which I did..I realize that aI should leave well enough alone, but what happened to my usb hubs on my monitor and how should / could I have fixed it?  Thanks.

Dell Dimension 4550 p4 2.53mhz

512 ddr ram

64mb mx440 geforce 4 with tv out 

Dell 1704 lcd monitor