usb flash drive locks up system??

Not sure if this is correct group. If not, please redirect.

Winxp fully updated.

Have three different thumb drives and all lock up system when I insert into
front usb slots. All 3 work on my other system with no problem running xp.
Have searched Google and find several references but not sure if this is a
system problem or xp.
The system completely locks up and I have to 'reset'.
IF I turn system off insert drive and power up it works fine.
The only thing I have plugged into each system(USB) is a wireless mouse.

As stated above, I found several references but not sure if it's Winxp
problem or not!
Not sure what, if any, settings I can check/change.

Thanks,

L.