The resolution as you found out was to many USB devices plugged in. Which means that the laptop can't supply enough power to the hubs.
I am curious as to what other USB devices were plugged in? A laptop should be able to power at least a couple devices.
I suspect that you, and everyone else might have a device that is "drawing" to much.
Also do the circumstances change if your on battery only and then just AC power? In other words, does it work on AC power but not battery?
123runner