try installing the chipset driver. "Intel Chipset Driver" is found on the usa aopen site. the latest version is "R9.1.1.1020_PV"
http://usa.aopen.com/userdownload_Li...989&Model=2880
try updating the bios. we don't know if you have the latest version. the aopen taiwan site has an update, but did not have anything like what you mentioned "42302e31" or "AwardBIOS v6.00PG". you can get this bios update from the aopen taiwan site (not usa). the latest version is "R1.12".
http://www.aopen.com.tw/userdownload...6438&Model=260
this utility flashes the bios in windows. afuwin.exe
http://www.aopen.com.tw/userdownload...032&Model=3028
if the above does not work, try booting into ubuntu via a boot cd. plug in a known usb 2.0 device, such as an external hard drive. test the speed of writing a huge file, preferably over 700mb. dont test via a thumb drive because of their limited write speed.