So this is frustrating: I'm tryig to help get the shuttle clamps unstuck, and I tap and tap on the use key at the control panel and it won't activate as it's supposed to. This issue has also happened on and off with other control panels and "use" so far in the game. Help?

Have you tried binding the use function to a different key in the menu, in case the problem is specific to the space key that is used by default?

Great idea, and yes, I've tried that. It works OK during the Borg and Etherian chapters, but I can't get past the control panel where the gas leak is in the shuttlebay. Interestingly, the "use" key works find in EF II.

Here is something to try:

1) Once you are in the area of the control panel, open the console (~ key) and run the command "+use", then close the console.
2) Approach the control panel and point at it, hopefully it should activate.
3) Open the console and run the command "-use".

If that still doesn't work, as a last resort you could try running the command "map scav1" in the console to skip to the next level.