does anyone know of anything ( web tutorials etc ) that could help me attach a usb 2.0 socket to my arduino board ?
Using componants like this - http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ITAG=FAQ&ModuleNo=43990&doy=15m4#faq
i was hoping to connect a usb socket to the board to allow me to connect a usb pen, is that possible ? i've only come so far as some simple LED programs so i'm not entirely sure if it is possible, i've just been unable to find anything on the internet that was of help
The short answer is no.
Running a USB device on Arduino is very difficult. The code needed to do it is very complex, and the processing power needed is high. But then again... It might be possible.
You should try to Google "AVR USB" and "USB HID" to get an idea of what you are up against.
It looks like they want exactly the opposite of the AVR-USB project, to connect something to the Arduino and have it act like a USB Host.
FTDI makes such a bit of kit, the Vinculum - Embedded USB Host Controller IC. The playground has an article.