USB causes CPU to shut down

I am using Windows XP, and recently anytime I plug something into one of the USB drives such as an external harddrive, my phone, or iPod it automatically shuts the computer off. When it restarts I can charge the device, do whatever, but it turning off everytime I try to update my iPod, or charge my phone is an issue. Any help?

Hello,

Did you try connecting the devices directly to the back of the PC instead of the front? Did you try using other USB ports?

Yes, I have tried all usb ports, and I receive the same results regardless of the port. I either have to restart my computer and plug it in as its restarting, or I have to suffer a blue screen and automatic restart every time I plug something into it. This have been a recent phenomenon, say over the past week.

it sounds like its shorting it.

erm..... i am not really sure what to suggest if thats the case.

is it a laptop or PC?

It is a laptop.

please try a Ubuntu Linux Live CD, download it-burn to disc- boot with it and use your usb devices.

If the computer shuts down, than a hardware failure will be possible.