Help! Palm Pilot Hotsync problems

I have a Dimension 8200 with Windows XP and a Palm Vx with the PalmConnect USB kit. This has to be a Windows XP issue since all of this worked great on my old computer running Windows 98. Here's the problem:

Every time I shut down or reboot my new computer I am then not able to hotsync. I have downloaded the current drivers from the Palm website for Windows XP. They work great when just installed but don't reboot or shut your computer down for any reason. I get the typical message to check the connection settings, which are fine. To get the hotsync to work again I have to go into device manager and uninstall the palm USB drivers, unplug my cradle, reboot, plug the cradle back in and then of course you get the message that new hardware has been detected. I then use the downloaded drivers ( that I now just keep on my desktop) to reinsall the USB and everything works fine.

Someone else must have had this same problem and hopefully found a solution. I have been on the phone with Palm and they say it's a windows issue and Dell says its a Palm issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!