"Just junk" is a broad statement. FM has drawbacks but for the most part works. So you are experiencing something unique.

I would still suspect something going on with the cards, even if they can be read in another enviroment. Troubleshooting means eliminating the unlikely and being left with the likely, regardless of how improbable it may seem (ripping off Arthur Conan Doyle there).

I think I've seen problems similar to yours here... try searching the posts.