HELP! USB Problems - Graphics tablet and External HDD - L33T Tech Geek needed

Tweet

Hi All, Let me start by saying I used to be an ICT Technician but this has me baffled, If I plug my Aiptek HyperPen 6000U in my USB and it is the only device in any USB port, it works fine. BUT... If I then plug my external 40 gig 2.5" HDD into a USB, the graphics tablet stops working with in 5-10 minutes, If I start my PC with both plugged in the same applies, the graphics tab stops working. I figured there was some problem with the power output of the USB? The external HDD enclosure came with a seperate USB power addapter cable, so I tried plugging that in too but still the same. any ideas? Ideally i'd like to have them both plugged in all the time. ASROCK K7SX8 - {4 USB rear + 2 on case front Thanks for reading Rob:)