I had a netgear do that too, but the one I had was under a lifetime warranty so they sent me a nice new one!

Someone put together a guide on how to replace the caps. Time + materials: $100. Buy a replacement switch (this time I bought a dlink): $29.95.

Yeah, I used to like to tackle crap like that, but after repairing the last 3 iphone 4's the like has turned to loathe.  I need to get a few small managed switches for home.