:)I can't say for absolute certainty that leaving the USB stick in place was the prime cause of the USB port failure, but I can see no other reason why it should have failed. I will certainly not do it again considering the work involved, and would advise any one else to remove the stick after use. Memory sticks have a much higher failure rate than Hard Disc Drives and are not as robust as people think, err on the safe side and remove the USB stick after use and save yourself the work involved, that's if you are competent enough to carry out the work involved. Happy Playing and not repairing.