the USB drive that you used must have been defected. I use mine as an extra harddrive (mostly backup partition, 4G). so it is plugged all the time, and i use my comp for about 18 hours a day (average). I have been doing this for something like a year now.
USB drives have a longer life expectancy compared to floppy drives anyway. and they certainly more reliable.
I remember a few days ago, i saw a 4G USB drive for about $50. as apposed to $120 a year ago.
as to your wife, man,,,, SHE'S GOT TO GET WITH THE TIMES MAN!!.

lol
Ignorance is not shameful. Arrogantly ignoring and denying your ignorance is.
All men are capable of learning, except two: The Arrogant and The Shy.