Win98se freezes installing hardware

I have a lexar memory stick reader part number RW012 rev A, on a normal
desktop pc running win98se.

Have previously had the software successfully installed - when new, but
after 12 months the device stopped working without explanation.

Upon an attempt to reinstall the following happens repeatedly.

It seems like a windows fault.

Following uninstall and reinstall of the lexar s/w upon plugging in the USB
cable and memory stick windows tells me that it "has detected new hardware".

It then tells me that is will "install Lexar usb memory stick port driver".

It then tells me that "windows is installing the new software for my
hardware"

AT THAT point windows freezes and upon performing Cntrl/Alt/Del I get the
following

"NEW HARDWARE FOUND (not responding)"

I have reinstalled win98se and it made no difference to the above sequence

Please advise

Thankyou Ramon