My 3Com USB Adapter is very hot! Could it be overheating?

I have a 3com USB adapter that seems to get very hot. I know thay are
meant to get warm, but this one gets very toasty.

When it is a hot day (75 F + inside) my connection to my router
occasionally drops. I find that I can unplug the adapter, cool it down
(for 1 min) then reconnect it and the connection reestablishes itself.
Maybe 20 mins later it drops again and I have to go through the same
process.

The reason I think its heat related is that I only have this problem
when its very warm (75 F +). Also the kids PC doesnt seem to have this
problem and their USB adapter is a different make.

Could heat be the issue with this adapter?

TIA

Harry