Those types of devices if bent, while plugged in will stop working... Sounds like if you flex it as you plug in, it is briefly making connection. Is the device still under warranty? If so I would exchange it... One way to check whats happening on connection, right click "my computer" , go to properties, go to hardware then go device manager, then under network adapters, look for a red x. As the device is plugged watch for changes. If you see your buffalo device, and it has a red X, then I would try to re-install your drivers. If the device is not staying right after being plugged, I would suspect that may be physically broken.