There is a USB upgrade for users of Win98 and WinME. That may help unless you are already using XP or 2000.
I have the same problem from time to time with my XP systems. If I shut down the computer, unplug the 3000/7000 cradle from power, push on both ends of the USB cable and shout things like
[email protected]#$% while jumping on one foot, things work correctly when I restart.
J/K about the jumping on one foot, but I think the obcenities are required.