Are USB microphones any good?

Hey guys, I been having some issues lately, I have a x-fi platinum and for some reason my microphones keep breaking. I have gone through 3 microphones, and I am seriously considering trying a USB one. I am not sure what is killing them, people on the other side tells me it starts as a cracking and as time progresses it becomes a horrible screech, I have listened to it by going into some games and going in mike test mode. I am wondering if it's because they are cheap mikes that they are dying, if my sound card is shorting them out or if it's pulling.
Would USB cut the chances a bit?

Given the choice, I would go with a Firewire microphone (if they make such things) or a firewire mixer + microphone of your choice, instead of USB. Firewire guarantees timely delivery of packets whereas USB does not. This is one of the reaons that most (nearly all) audio computer equipment is firewire.

I just need a mike to talk on Vent, nothing too fancy or expensive. The problem is I had about 3 microphones that came bundled with stuff and they all slowly went.