Feeble USB on P5e

I really wanted to use a front panel USB connection, but the headers on this brand new P5E board don't work unless I use a powered hub. The USB hubs show ok in the system and the rear panel USB connections work just fine. I tried the extra ports that come with the mobo (they connect to the headers) and no luck, even with a microdrive (CF). I just happened to try a powered hub, and it solved the problem. Unfortunately, I need the headers for the front panel, which is not powered. Could this be a voltage problem? My PSU is 430 watts, and the system is pretty spare - 1 drive, 1 DVD, a couple of fans, a basic graphics card, and powered hub (which shouldn't count). Or perhaps I have a board voltage regulation probem? It's the little things that complicate our lives . . .