IPAC VE (USB) flashing and spitting out the letter "i" when not wanted

[pearsth]

Hello -

Having difficulty getting my IPAC VE (USB) to work. Basically, with notepad open if I do not hit the joystick or buttons for a while, then I do, I sometimes get the letter "I" showing up once, then whatever button or movement I hit shows up.  Also, the shift sequence keys do not work. Nothing is connected to 2SW5 which would generate te "I" letter. There is also flashing, somewhere around 18-21 flashes, but I cannot count it since it goes to fast. I have tried disconnecting every wire one at a time while plugging/unplugging the USB port and the flashing wont stop. Any suggestions? Also, I guess the CTRL-ALT-P thing does not work with the USB model. Any other way to see what the problem is other than trying to count bright rapid green flashes?

Not being able to exit a game other than powering off is hell!

Tom