connecting a camera to usb

I have a Windows ME operating system on a Compaque Presrio
1.2 Ghz computer. When I connect my camera to the usb
port I get a window stating "please wait while updating
the hardware information datbase" At this time the
computer just hangs up with zero progress in the window.
I have to disconnect the camera and then use control+alt
delete and shutdown this window that is now not
repsonding. This occurred when I attempted to update the
driver in device manager also. Short of reformatting the
drive and reloading the operating system how can this be
fixed.