flaky usb behavior

[jglen490]

Given the current political situation in Peru, I think corruption might well indeed be a likely cause!

Don't feel lonely in that regard

[jlittle]

At the moment, it's not worth re-installing Kubuntu ...

You wouldn't have to re-install. Just boot from the install medium and choose "Try Kubuntu". (It's a good idea to have a bootable USB stick handy anyway.)