When I first got my Shuffle I tried updating it via USB1 through a hub. Beachball city. Plug it directly into the Mac, they hate hubs. I got a USB2 card with an extension cord and life is much better.<br><br>
What version of the OS are you working under? Do you have other firewire/usb items connected?<br><br>I used to have problems with my (firewire) iPod if my iSight was connected at the same time. <br><br>Eliminate all un-necessary peripherals and give that a try.<br><br>-------<br>Aren't you a little old for post-modern nostalgic irony?