Update on this problem:
1) The latest errata kernel for RHEL3-U6 resolved the problem. 2) The kernel from RHEL4-U3 (just released) resolved the problem.
We had opened a trouble ticket with RH support for the RHEL4 problem, but they're not interested "we don't provide support for USB devices". A really NOT fine, but to be expected, attitude.
Also, for RHEL3 the problem only occurs on our HP AMD-64 boxes; the Dell boxes with P4 chips do not encounter the error.
HTH others who have similar problems.
-- Collins Richey The agnostic dyslexic insomniac lies awake wondering if there is a dog.