problem with my mouse/ipod/ usb ports

Got an Ipod Touch and when i plug it into a USB port via a lead my 'Microsoft Intellimouse' goes off and i have to plug it back in about ten times before it works again. even then it goes off again after about ten seconds. I've tried using other spare USB ports but get the same result.
any ideas what to check? is me mouse buggered or me USB ports faulty
plain English replies only please cos i'm not feeling very techy minded today

 

oh no, must be a hard one

 

I had a similar problem and got it corrected by installing latest software for my specific mouse.


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/258785
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads/default.mspx

 

i've already tried that but it didn't help. thanks for replying, anyhow:wave