I know just what you're talking about Eddie. I've hung up on my ISP a lot until I got someone who didn't talk to me like I was an idiot.
But the check the plugs or connection thing, I had to relearn again with my USB problems. It seems some devices just want to be in the same port all the time and other want to be moved after something changes.
I don't have a USB hub card, but I did have a USB powered hub that plugged into a USB port. I thought it would save the day for me. One computer loved it and another one just wanted to spit it out.
Go figure. Yes, I love that "Have you unplugged you modem?" or "Do you know if you are plugged in or wireless?"
Usually by that time I'm just wired. lol
Wayne,