Windows XP fails first install of drives then works on second attempt

[zelet]

This is sort of complicated but here it is:

I have Windows XP Pro running. I also have 2 external SATA drives and
a bunch of USB drives. At some point Windows stopped installing the
drives correctly on the first try. When I plug in a USB or external
SATA drive it will say:
-------------------------------------------
"Cannot Start this Hardware

There was a problem installing this hardware:
Disk drive

This device is disabled. (Code 22)

Click finish to start a troubleshooter that can help you resolve the
problem."
--------------------------------------------

When I click finish the screen goes away and a new screen comes up
saying:
------------------------------------------------
The following device is disabled:
WDC WD......

Devices are normally disabled if.... blah blah blah

If you would like to use this device again then you will need to
enable it. Click next to enable the device, or click Cancel to leave
this device disabled.
-------------------------------------------------

When I click next it enables the device and it works fine.

I don't get it... what is going on? I've tried uninstalling the
drivers for the drives and that didn't work.