We're going to need some system specs so....
http://windows8forums.com/windows-8-errors-bsods/5278-help-us-help-you-please-read.html
Take some time and fill out as much detail as possible. Especially with respect to your mainboard manufacturer, model name, model number, Revision number, etc., much of that particular information may be available on or in your motherboard manual documentation.
And any specifics as to the actual problem USB hardware (Renesas/NEC, Etron, etc.,) (USB 2.0, USB 3.0)
Check with the laptop vendor and see what they have in the form of drivers with respect to your System BIOS, Chipset, etc.
If it's an older model they are not likely to have much in the way of anything specific for Windows 8 and installing older third party drivers might cause more harm than good.
With respect to your initial two questions;
1) Has anyone encountered similar issues? What can I do to fix it?
2) Is the a "repair" disk / process for Win8?
1.) No I haven't experienced anything like this and so far I have not installed any third party drivers for any of my USB hardware. Third party Windows 8 drivers seem to be lagging and actually the native Windows8 drivers for my USB 3.0 hardware has it working better in Windows 8 than it ever did in Windows 7.
2.) You have a few different options regarding repair a Windows 8 install. You have the Reset option which pretty much wipes everything and returns it to a more or less factory fresh / first install state and you have the Refresh option which preserves your personal stuff but will require the re-installation of your programs. Both of which can be evoked from PC Settings under the Charms Bar (WinKey + C)
AND
A recovery disk can be created from the Control Panel "Recovery" link. Click "create a recovery disk" then "next" (for USB) or then click the link that says "Create a system repair disc with a CD or DVD instead"