Wireless adapter stops working when changing USB port

I have the Microsoft wireless network adapter (can't
remember the model number, but it runs 8012b). It's
working fine, but when I try to plug the wireless
receiver into another USB port, my connectivity vanishes
even though the computer recognizes the device in the new
port.

I thought USB devices should work regardless of the port
you use on your computer. Does anyone have any idea how
to resolve this? Should I simply reinstall the broadband
software and start all over again?

Thanks.
Carl