https://www.miniputer.com/Acer/Aspire_1690.html
I see now that the Firewire/1394 is built-in and not on a combo PCcard and that there are three USB ports. If you are using them for Keyboard, Mouse, and Flash drive, try uninstalling the Flash drive drivers, then reboot with the Flash drive in a hub or different port. Hopefully it will boot and you will be asked to install the drivers anew. Rebooting in that same configuration should now work.
What brand and model is the flash drive and which driver are you using?