usb storage doesn't mount after kernel panic

[cavazorro]

Yesterday I had a kernel panic on my 24" iMac (late 2006) with 10.4.11. The panic happened right after I plugged in a USB memory stick and was also running Parallels. After the kernel panic, the iMac wouldn't boot, I had to unplug all USB devices and reset the BootRom. After that, the computer booted but it won't recognize any USB storage device and won't even boot if there's one plugged in. I've tried resetting the PRAM, SMC, BootROM, I've also re-installed the 10.4.11 Combo Update with no luck. Funny thing is that if I use parallels, the usb devices are actually recognized on XP, so there has to be something wrong with the OS. I've also cleared the cache with no luck.

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED...

I will be upgrading to leopard but I need to clone my HD first (to change it to GUID) and can't do it without an external storage device.

Thanks in advance.