Chieftec HM-01 PC Case FRIES mainboard!

[MOART]

I just moved a MSI Media Live Diva mainboard from one case (where it was working fine for months) to a Chieftec HM-01. Everything (including the iMON front panel display) worked until I powered off and connected the 1394 & USB cables from the HM-01 front panel USB/multicard reader subpanel to the mainboard.

After powering up, the PC wouldn't recognize any connected USB devices and Windows 7 ran very sluggishly. Then the mainboard died. After extensive testing, and determining that the 1394 and USB cables were connected properly, I determined that the mainboard has failed. Not gonna try another one until I get this figured out.

Anyone else had this problem, or had any luck contacting Chieftec? The email addresses on their websites all bounce. So far, their customer service is less than dazzling.

I know, I know... the obvious question is, "If the mainboard was working fine, why did you move it?" Well, it was in a big, honkin' tower case and I wanted it in a nice Home Theater brushed black aluminum case. In retrospect, the big honkin' case is looking better all the time...

UPDATE! Yesterday I faxed Chieftec USA and gave them my contact info. I received an email and phone call from Mark at Chieftec USA, and he was VERY helpful. I'm returning the suspect 1394/USB I/O board and cable only to them for testing & replacement. So in fairness to Chieftec, I'd have to say at this point that they have redeemed themselves as far as customer service goes.
FINAL UPDATE! Chieftec replaced the media I/O board, and the new one works fine. So, a big thanks to the folks at Chieftec.