[maxmsp] (OT) Mac USB power issues

greetings hive,
i am currently experiencing USB power troubles on my MacIntel- 2.16 Ghz Intel Core Duo, OSX 10.4.10.
previously i have been able to power a Novation Remote 25 controller keyboard from the USB port but for no apparent reason i now get a 'USB device is drawing too much power- the hub it is attached to will be deactivated' type message. this despite the fact that the same computer powered the same controller for months without problems. i upgraded from 10.4.8 to 10.4.10, but to no avail. also tried different USB cables. i should add that i'm in 220v land.
 i can use an external power adaptor for the Remote25, but it's one more piece of crap to add to an already stuffed gig case. (plus i keeping tripping over it..)
has anyone else encountered such an inconvenience? any suggestions are most welcome
thanks
k