I use a USB 2.0 to IDE adaptor (similar to an external drive chassis) to connect my IDE backup hard disks to my PC. Originally this system used to work fine but now the disk will not stay connected/accessible in Windows XP for more than a few minutes.

I am able to start copying my files to/from the external disk to an internal IDE drive but the disk will disconnect mid-copy (or even when idle). Sometimes it will stay connected for several minutes, sometimes only seconds.
This happens with all my USB ports, all of which are USB2.0.

As it used to work with this version of Windows I am suspicious that it may be a Windows update that has screwed it up. Has anyone else come across this problem?

Interestingly my external hard drive (in chassis) does work. Maybe this is because it is newer technology (bought about 3 months ago).

If anyone has any ideas I’d really appreciate it. This is driving me insane.
My computer specs are below my signature.

Cheers for your help,