One day the Belkin 7 port hub works the next day it doesn't

Your problems with the Belkin 7 port are not due to the Dell computer or the XP OS. To problem solve, select on USB port and stay with it, not the 2 top ports for your keyboard and mouse. 1. Plug in the power adapter, wiggle it about, widen the prongs, change outlets at the 120 v. end. 2. Use an simple hand magnifier and peer closely at the DC input plug and be positive that the center post and the minue side piece of metal if in firm constact with the plug. If cannot insure a firm fit, sligtly bend that tiny metal piece towards center. Option 2, use another adaptor with the precise voltage as the original and the idential pin that inserts into the module. 3. Use another or new USB connector.
This list does not imply a specific order of diagnosis. Your fundamental problem is the failure to delive DC power to the Belkin hub or to capture the hub to USB port signal. In a phrase, you gotta short somewhere.not an issue with the computer or the XP operating system. Bill Miller