Help needed: 'The device cannot start (code 10)' on usb device

I am trying to install a USB Network Adapter on XP home SP1.

I connect, get the USB device detected dialogue; I ignore the XP Windows
Logo warning as advised in the manual and the device gets detected correctly
but then quickly give the error "The device cannot start (code 10)" in
device manager.

I have tried three USB ports and get the same in each. I have uninstalled
the device, rebooted the system and tried again many times. Twice, the
network was detected but when I tried to do anything, the error appeared
again.

At this stage, I am not actually using the device, I am just trying to
install it before then connecting up the other end (wireless router /
modem).

I have tried using different cables, I have tried disabling existing USB
devices, I tried downloading latest drivers from the manufacturer's web
site....all to no avail.

Any pointers welcomed. Thank you.