USB Connector Plastic Spacers Broken

[HighbrowHavoc]

I purchased a Raspberry Pi Model B starter kit from Adafruit back in October 2012, and it worked perfectly well for the first few months, but about a week ago when I went to plug in my USB mouse, I found that something was stuck in the mouse's plug. It turned out to be the plastic spacer in the USB connector. I said, Oh well, I'm only out one USB connector, and continued to use the other one, but yesterday, the plastic spacer for the other USB connector broke off as well.

A picture is attached below to show the missing pieces.

I was wondering if I could please get a replacement for the Raspberry Pi, as the USB connectors are now unusable.

Thanks,
HighbrowHavoc

[adafruit_support_rick]

That's very strange. I've never seen anything like it.

The same mouse did this in both sockets? I think you may want to find yourself a different mouse. Did you have to force the mouse connector at all to get it inserted?

Are you otherwise doing anything that could somehow put mechanical stress on these sockets?

[HighbrowHavoc]

No, I stopped using the mouse because the spacer was stuck inside of its connector, making it unusable. I used the second connector for my USB hub, but when I went to unplugged the hub, I gently pulled out the plug straight out, and the spacer came loose from the connector.

I didn't force any of the USB plugs into the Pi's connectors. I'm positive I didn't put any stress on it. The Pi was on the same flat surface as the USB peripherals, and at a short distance from them as well.

It is very strange, I'm thinking it might be a manufacturing defect.

[adafruit_support_rick]

Unfortunately, this really isn't the sort of thing we can provide replacement service on. The unit was purchased 5 months ago and has been working fine up until this point. I'm afraid this falls under the category of normal wear and tear. I did quite a bit of searching online, and I didn't turn up any reports of similar problems.

You might consider simply replacing the connector. Digikey lists one for $1.85.

[HighbrowHavoc]

Alright, thanks for all your help!