Problems with Hotplug

[Chuck Vose]

Hotplug support is definitely linked to USB so I believe Vince is
right about try to disconnect some devices, but don't go out and buy
SCSI yet. Let's find the problem before we start introducing more
problems.

It also might help you diagnose if you can boot warty in rescue mode
(or access from Mepis) and look at /var/log/messages for anything
interesting. /var/log/dmesg might also have clues.

Let us know what happens,
Chuck