Did Norton 2010 corrupt my USB ports

You did good getting rid of Norton. I just finished doing that myself and flushed 3 copies off my PCs before my contract with them ended. Using NOD32 on one, AVG on another and trying MS's free Security Essentials. Seems to be Ok.

The NOD32 is on the laptop I consult with and my current client insists on either ESET, McAfee or Norton. So far, NOD32 has been good, its way less obtrusive than Norton and has a really small footprint. Doesn't eat resources the way Norton does.

The only Norton product worth having is Ghost and I won't be without it, no more rebuilding for me!