W2k Pro SP3 & USB - won't boot

I have a problem with Windows 2K professional, SP3 and USB devices. If a USB device is plugged in (I have tried a Zip & a HP CDRW) then the computer won't start... it gets a blue memory dump screen and reboots itself over and over. If I unplug the USB devices, it works fine. If I start it up and then attach the USB devices, it freezes.
I've reinstalled the OS and reinstalled the drivers and removed SP3 and I still keep getting the same error.
Has anyone encountered this, or have and suggestions on what to try next? It all used to work together fine until SP3.
Thx for any help you can give!
-Laura

ps, I am new here.. please forgive me if this was covered before. I searched but was unable to find any answers!

 

Could be a problem with a BIOS setting. What BIOS are you using and what brand of PC?

 

BIOS it is~!

Thanks for suggesting that... flashed the BIOS ... now here I am typing at the same time the Zip is plugged in

And with me not telling much about my hardware... you must really know your stuff!

TY!

 

Thanks. But look at my avatar pic - which is me a couple years ago. LOL Anybody that old has to have picked up an occasional thing along the way.