Comment 14 for bug 504440

h3, it seems that you have a different issue. If you read the bug description it says that "kills reader device" just means that it stops being powered and it is not repowered until next reboot. Apparently, what you experience is a permanent break, so it is something unrelated to this bug report.

Also, it is strange that you could permanently break these devices just by software. Could you try if your device works from a liveCD or another installation? Also, if your external reader is working in another computer? You might have an electric problem in your computer. If it is a configuration problem I suggest you to ask for support in the forums to solve your issue.