Wireless USB Adaptor Not Recognised: Adaptor vs Desktop problem?

System: Dell Dimension 5100, Windows XP (regular windows update installed)

Wireless Adaptor: Belkin G+ USB Adaptor

Router: Belkin Wireless G+

I have a problem with my Dimension Desktop recognising my wireless USB adaptor – I have been through Belkin tech support and it has come back to my desktop, despite the same problem happening on a Dell Inspiron 1300. – Let me break it down, and I hope that you might have some ideas that will help

Initially installed USB adaptor and it worked, although struggled to maintain connection (this is probably more to do with how far away it is from the router, but Inspiron works fine in the same place).  When turned computer back on (and may have used different USB port) it did not work and hasn’t since…on any of my USB ports.

When I plug it in I don’t get a ‘new hardware detected’ message – it did the same for my bluetooth dongle.  I got a mains powered USB hub, this had the result of my Bluetooth dongle being recognised by not my wireless adaptor.

When I plug it in the system slows to a standstill until I unplug it.  When trying to start and stop WZC I can’t while the adaptor is plugged in.  WZC also does not automatically start when my computer does either – Is this a separate problem?

It is not recognised on the device manager when plugged in.

I have downloaded the new drivers from the Windows update pages…

I have ‘deleted’ the USB ‘ghosts’ on my system as explained elsewhere on the forum

I have tried it on a laptop with the integral wireless card disabled (Inspiron 1300, XP installed) and the same problems described above occurred.  Despite this Belkin said it was a problem with my USB ports and WZC.

Anyone have any ideas?  Many thanks.