I have a comp that does the same thing. It has trouble with most usb stuff, In XP, start/control panel/system/hardware/device manager, does it show up as "other" with a yellow alert? If so I don't think it is a AFPD issue because my AFPD works on two other system I have. I am going to check a couple forums and track that error down. Chances are the simplest thing is a O.S. reload because somewhere a USB recognition driver issue is involved. I'll try to reload the sys mother board rivers first, then the O.S.. If you know about BIOS settings you may have something turned off, but don't go there unless your positive in your knowledge in that area. If the usb driver could be found easily on the AFPD disk the problem could be solved.

edit; just saw the 98 your running, reinstall sys mobo drivers for USB and pray[:@] The good new is 98 reloads nice, just backup the important stuff to be safe