Removable media not found on KDE

[AG <computing.account@googlemail.com>]

Hi List

In KDE3.5.5, running on Etch whenever I load a USB data stick, it 
triggers OpenOffice.org's splash screen and then reports that 
media:/sda1 does not exist.

The same USB stick loads fine and is accessible in Gnome, so it would 
seem restricted to KDE and I suspect that somewhere along the line a 
file association error has been made.  However, going into 
KControlCentre/ Components/ File Associations and changing the order of 
actions associated with a mounted removable device to "open file", 
clicking apply, the system updates its settings.  But the problem 
persists, and when I go back into KControlCenter, etc. OOo is at the top 
of the list of associations again.  This is the same regardless of 
whether or not I go in via sudo or as a regular user.

How can I fix this?  Any pointers would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

AG