adding new hardware

when i try to connect usb flash drives now , i get a found new hardware
message and then a direction of -the software that supports the device ,
requires a restart -
these are flash drives that i have used countless times .

add this up with now my daughters zune no longer connects . everytime we try
to sync the zune , the device goes into a revolving cycle . a blinking icon
and message - found new hardware . then again , blinking icon and message
-found new hardware .

and what gets me dumbfouded is now i cannot sync my 1gb sansa mp3 player
either . it has two modes of connection and only one works .

i have no clue why nothing seems to connect anymore .

please help , my daughter really wants to listen to the new britney spear's
album !
(i kinda like -piece of me-)