USB Problem with Win2K ?

[Burt]

I have a HP Pavilion 4540 that was just upgraded to Win 2K Pro.
I had only a usb scanner attached to cpu, then added a APC UPS to other usb port. Now my cpu seems to lock (freeze) during or before bios boot with the uos usb plugged in.
HP web site talks of usb problems with Win2k, but offers no solution?
Any ideas ? Would a cheap usb hub help?
Thanks in advance...