DrunkardOfOz

Now added to list of things that Vista can not/will not install or recognize drivers for are: ipods and an optical usb mouse.

I don't think the issue is with the usb ports themselves, because when an ipod is plugged in, Vista says "You need to install drivers for your iPod". I have the latest version of itunes, and all my ipod software is up to date, but Vista swears it cannot find the drivers. Vista's solution?? Link me to Apple's website where I'm told to download iTunes (the exact same version I have), and so on in an infinite loop-- no matter what I do, Vista will not recognize ANY drivers for ANY usb devices, even if I'm positive that they are installed and I direct Vista to the correct folder. The usb mouse has worked on literally a dozen other systems just by plugging it in, but on this system, Vista freaks out, grabs a rifle, and climbs the nearest clock tower.

***?!?!?!

If someone can confirm that this is purely a Vista problem, and there is no easy solution (I have little faith in the 'call Microsoft and they'll help' idea), I will just downgrade to XP and be done with this BS.