Author Topic: Some USB devices won't connect. (Read 15062 times)

rexy · « **on:** March 27, 2009, 12:31:42 AM »

Hello, I Hope I am posting this in the right section.

I have an older (6 years) Gateway PC that is running Windows XP with service pack 3. About a year ago I started experiencing problems connecting my digital camera, my iPod, a SD card programmer, and a flash drive. My mouse, printer, and a GPS card programmer all work fine. I tried a few ideas based on some very weak support from Gateway before I finally formated my hard drive and reinstalled windows last weekend. Unfortunately, this didn't fix my problems. I still cannot connect "mass storage devices." Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2009, 12:41:54 AM »

Common problem. Shut down, Discount all USB things.
Power up, wait about two minutes or so. Plug in just the one thing you need, the USB storage. Wait a bit. Windows will think about it and find it and pretend there is nothing wrong.

rexy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2009, 11:40:42 AM »

Geek-9pm,

Thank you for your quick reply. I tried your advice and it worked, I was able to connect my camera, and then my iPod. I disconnected them and tried them both again a while later and they would not connect again. Any idea how I can make this a long term fix. It is kind of annoying to have to power down my computer, unplug every usb cable, power it up, and then plug devices back in in every time I want to put a song on my iPod. Thanks again for your help!

GlitchPC · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2009, 12:31:54 PM »

If you're using a USB port...make sure you click the Safely Remove Hardware icon located in the System Tray, before you just unplug your device. Select your device...and wait for Windows to tell you it's safe to remove the hardware.

rexy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2009, 10:38:32 PM »

Glitch-

Thanks for the reply. I'll try that next time I connect my camera. I always "eject" my iPod before I disconnect it, and that didn't prevent the problem from occurring. Does anyone think it is possible that all 6 of my USB ports could be bad? Is there a way to, or should I replace them? Thanks again for the help!

Laska · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2009, 02:18:15 AM »

Tis Not the USB Ports that er Bad,
But Just a Glitch in yer Software me laddy

rexy · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2009, 09:22:23 AM »

Thank you for your reply Laska. Does anyone know how I can fix the glitch in my software?

GlitchPC · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2009, 09:58:10 AM »

rexy...

Do these USB ports, at least, provide power to your USB devices?

rexy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 28, 2009, 10:10:56 AM »

Glitch-

I would say that they do, my mouse is powered by the USB with no problem. I was just chatting with onlinecomputerhelp.org to see if it was something they could fix for a fee, and they suggested taking it into a shop to see if it is a power issue with my USB ports. Now I'm not sure what I should do. I've heard that Best Buy's Geeks squad isn't very good, but I wouldn't know where to take it. Does anyone know how to check if I have enough power coming out of my usb? I'm no expert with computers by any means, but I do have a multimeter, or do you need some specialized meter? Thanks.

GlitchPC · « **Reply #9 on:** March 28, 2009, 10:14:26 AM »

How many USB ports do you have...and how many are being used?

What wattage does your PSU have? Is it a stock power supply unit...meaning it came with your PC? What's the serial number on your PC...so I can check its specs at Gateway's support site?

rexy · « **Reply #10 on:** March 28, 2009, 10:19:36 AM »

Glitch-

I think you may be onto something with the power. I just tried to connect my iPod, which apparently has a dead battery, and it kept telling me the iPod was very low on battery and it wouldn't connect or charge the iPod. The iPod should charge through the USB. I have 6 USB ports, 2 in front and 4 in the back of the machine. I currently have 3 things plugged in, a mouse, a printer, and a GPS card programmer. I'm sorry I don't know a PSU is. I didn't change my power cord or anything if that is what you are asking. My serial number is 0029805459. Thanks!

dr_iton · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2009, 10:24:28 AM »

I had a similar problem but i fixed with this method:
If you have two USB devices for the same purpose like imaging, just plug them in the crossing direction (not in serial way) and you wont have that problem again.
Cheers.

rexy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 28, 2009, 10:31:53 AM »

Dr-

Thank you for your input. What do you mean plug them in the crossing direction? Don't USBs only plug in one way?

GlitchPC · « **Reply #13 on:** March 28, 2009, 10:38:28 AM »

rexy...

Checking your specs...located here...

This is your power supply: 160-Watt Power Supply R1 [Part #6500704]

If I were you...I'd have that replaced with one compatible with your desktop...and see if it remedies the problem. Even if it doesn't remedy the problem...that's a very low-end power supply and depending on what you use this computer for...the more devices you add to it, the more strain on the PSU.

What do you use this computer for, anyway?

I don't think it has anything to do with what dr_iton has mentioned...btw. However, I've been known to be wrong...occasionally...lol.

Anyway...I definitely think it's the PSU...and you can get a replacement...relatively inexpensive.

I wouldn't let Geek Squad do it, though.

rexy · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2009, 10:52:21 AM »

Glitch-

Thanks for the hard work! Should I replace my Power Supply with something from Gateway, or is ok to get an "after market" supply? Any suggestion on where I can find one? How hard is it to replace? I am fairly mechanically inclined, so I can follow directions if it is not major. I have replaced a hard drive, and added a wireless card to a different computer at one time. I use the computer for basic stuff. Surfing, pictures, music, etc. Nothing too crazy. Thanks again.

GlitchPC · « **Reply #15 on:** March 28, 2009, 10:59:30 AM »

Youll pay more if you get it from Gateway...and they are not that difficult to replace, but you need to be careful when doing so.

Here's an illustrated guide on how to replace one: Replacing a Power Supply

Here's a replacement 300watt power supply compatible with your Gateway model: ATX12V-300PN (300W ATX12V)

rexy · « **Reply #16 on:** March 28, 2009, 11:22:11 AM »

Glitch-

Thanks a lot. I'm going to order that PSU and give it a try. I'll let everyone know what happens. Thanks again.

GlitchPC · « **Reply #17 on:** March 28, 2009, 11:43:55 AM »

You're welcome...please...keep us posted...

dr_iton · « **Reply #18 on:** March 28, 2009, 12:36:21 PM »

Quote from: rexy on March 28, 2009, 10:31:53 AM

Dr-

Thank you for your input. What do you mean plug them in the crossing direction? Don't USBs only plug in one way?

@Rexy
It causes a USB conflict, so if you do as following picture you will solve the problem.

Cheers.

rexy · « **Reply #19 on:** March 31, 2009, 11:39:28 PM »

Well, I got the new PSU today and installed it. I powered up the computer and tried both my iPod, and my digital camera and the computer didn't recognise either. Any other ideas? Thanks.

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #20 on:** April 01, 2009, 03:28:27 AM »

Quote from: dr_iton on March 28, 2009, 12:36:21 PM

@Rexy
It causes a USB conflict, so if you do as following picture you will solve the problem.
<IMAGE>
Cheers.

Please, explain the reasoning for this? Additionally the only "USB Conflict" possible is if two devices have the same serial number. But that causes a BSOD.

We're not dealing with IRQs here. there are no resources, aside from upstream bandwidth, to share.

Try this.

open Device manager (Control Panel->System, Hardware tab, Device manager)

Open the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" item.

Right click on each item here, and Click uninstall.

reboot- windows will redetect the devices removed earlier, hopefully smoothing out any registry bound issues.

So- Does it seem like only storage devices, such as the Ipod or camera and so forth, don't work? do Keyboards, mice, gamepads, etc work?

rexy · « **Reply #21 on:** April 01, 2009, 09:38:17 AM »

BC-

Thanks for the reply. Do I uninstall everything under Universal Serial Bus Controllers? Like all of my devices and the "USB root hub" ones?

Yes, it is only "mass storage devices" that seem not to work. I have a USB mouse, printer, and GPS card programmer that all work just fine.

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #22 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:17:13 PM »

Quote from: rexy on April 01, 2009, 09:38:17 AM

Yes, it is only "mass storage devices" that seem not to work.work just fine.

ah HA! you might have a corrupted Mass storage driver; try a "sfc /scannow" within start->Run as well as the steps I describe above. Personally, when I've had this type of issue I just remove them all- they all get added back anyway after a reboot.

rexy · « **Reply #23 on:** April 01, 2009, 11:33:56 PM »

BC-

Thanks again for the reply. I tried running that scan. It had me insert my XP software CD and then it just closed after several minutes of scanning so I guess it didn't find anything. I tried uninstalling all of the USB devices under Device Manager like you suggested and that also didn't work. Any other ideas? Thanks.

rexy · « **Reply #24 on:** April 03, 2009, 11:14:43 PM »

Any one else ever experience anything like this? Thanks for all of your advice!

patio · « **Reply #25 on:** April 04, 2009, 07:17:15 AM »

Quote

Try this.

open Device manager (Control Panel->System, Hardware tab, Device manager)

Open the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" item.

Right click on each item here, and Click uninstall.

reboot- windows will redetect the devices removed earlier, hopefully smoothing out any registry bound issues.

Done this step from BC's post above yet ? ?
Yes remove all listed roots and hubs.
Unplug all unneccessary USB devices beforehand and do a few cold boots afterwards before trying a USB device....

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #26 on:** April 04, 2009, 09:37:04 AM »

Wait please. PSU is often NOT the USB problem.

From Google today:

Advanced troubleshooting tips for general USB problems in Windows XP
Describes advanced troubleshooting tips for general USB issues in Windows XP.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310575

Cumulative update rollup for USB core components in Windows Vista.
This article describes an update rollup for USB core components in Windows ... may experience problems after you resume a Windows Vista-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941600
(Find more results from support.microsoft.com Lots more! )

Why won't my system recognize my USB device? - Ask Leo!
Our computer has never given us any problems with our USB Hub but one day it did. It couldn't recognise any Flashdrives and indentified them ...
http://ask-leo.com/why_wont_my_system_recognize_my_usb_device.html

Also you can diagnose some USB devices with a Live Linux CD.

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #27 on:** April 04, 2009, 09:39:29 AM »

the PSU can cause ANY problem.

any component getting improper power can/will malfunction or fail.

However I do agree that a attempt to try using USB devices with another, ideally Live CD type OS would be a good idea.

patio · « **Reply #28 on:** April 04, 2009, 01:39:02 PM »

Quote from: Geek-9pm on April 04, 2009, 09:37:04 AM

Wait please. PSU is often NOT the USB problem.

From Google today:

Advanced troubleshooting tips for general USB problems in Windows XP
Describes advanced troubleshooting tips for general USB issues in Windows XP.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310575

Cumulative update rollup for USB core components in Windows Vista.
This article describes an update rollup for USB core components in Windows ... may experience problems after you resume a Windows Vista-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941600
(Find more results from support.microsoft.com Lots more! )

Why won't my system recognize my USB device? - Ask Leo!
Our computer has never given us any problems with our USB Hub but one day it did. It couldn't recognise any Flashdrives and indentified them ...
http://ask-leo.com/why_wont_my_system_recognize_my_usb_device.html

Also you can diagnose some USB devices with a Live Linux CD.

At least you didn't suggest "cross plugging" the USB devices...

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #29 on:** April 04, 2009, 04:51:04 PM »

At least y

Quote

ou didn't suggest "cross plugging" the USB devices... Roll Eyes

Right. Does snot work. But reboot and install again helps.
Notice in the links I gave, the PSU is seldom the bad guy.
Cheap grubby USB devices on sale can cause lots of things too.

rexy · « **Reply #30 on:** April 05, 2009, 11:20:57 AM »

Thank you all for your replies.

I tried BC's advice again last night and uninstalled everything under USB controllers. I only left my USB mouse plugged in after the shut down and start up and then I tried my iPod and camera, they both worked. I went to bed, and tried the iPod and camera today and they still worked. Then I plugged in my printer and tried the iPod and camera and now they don't work. It seems like there is some kind of conflict with the printer and USB mass storage devices.

My printer is a HP Office Jet Pro L7780 All-in-One. Any idea why this would cause a conflict with my devices? The printer isn't that old, but I think my original problem started before I got the printer, but I'm not sure.

Thanks again.

patio · « **Reply #31 on:** April 05, 2009, 11:26:28 AM »

If the printer is more than 2 years old donate it to a worthy organisation and get a replacement...
Barring that i would replace the printers USB cable...probably 1/2 the cost of a new printer.

rexy · « **Reply #32 on:** April 05, 2009, 01:15:08 PM »

Patio-

The printer is about 11-12 months old, and thus far has worked fine as far as a printer goes. I don't want to buy a new printer if I can avoid it.

GlitchPC · « **Reply #33 on:** April 05, 2009, 03:22:30 PM »

Who would've thunk it. At least you know the culprit, now.

rexy, I'm glad you got it fixed...and even though your forked out a few bucks for a new PSU, I believe it was well worth it. Though it didn't solve your issue...you're much better off with the one you have now...then the one you had.

All my best!

Steve

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #34 on:** April 05, 2009, 11:01:51 PM »

Quote

If the printer is more than 2 years old donate it to a worthy organisation and get a replacement...

Good Idea. Here the garbage company will not let us toss out electronics. So, donate it and avoid the garbage tax.

But keep the USB cable.
Some printers are now sold without the cable.
I am NOT joking!

rexy · « **Reply #35 on:** April 06, 2009, 06:14:35 AM »

Thank you everyone for your help. I am going to contact HP and see what they say. I payed a lot of money for this printer not too long ago, so I am not happy. I don't think this printer came with a USB cable...

I have discovered that simply unplugging the USB connection to my computer will allow the iPod to work. I don't even need to uninstall the USB root hubs in device manager.

Thanks again and I'll let you know what HP says.

sukhdeep · « **Reply #36 on:** April 06, 2009, 06:36:37 AM »

reset ur BIOS . in this on board configuration click and then usb setting enable.it may be disable.just try it.

victor · « **Reply #37 on:** April 06, 2009, 10:54:14 AM »

Quote from: patio on April 05, 2009, 11:26:28 AM

If the printer is more than 2 years old donate it to a worthy organisation and get a replacement...
Barring that i would replace the printers USB cable...probably 1/2 the cost of a new printer.

You are very funny, believe me!

He is an upset man who have has troubles.I'm very sorry, but I must say that.

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #38 on:** April 06, 2009, 04:53:48 PM »

Quote from: victor on April 06, 2009, 10:54:14 AM

You are very funny, believe me!

He is an upset man who have has troubles.I'm very sorry, but I must say that.

he offered a different solution:

Quote

Barring that i would replace the printers USB cable

but, back on topic.

Where are you plugging the printer into?

Are you using an external hub or is it plugged directly into the PC?

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #39 on:** April 06, 2009, 05:05:29 PM »

BC, go to the HP site and /or forum and type in the model number of a recent cheap HP model. You may be surprised. I was. Anyway, HP does document their errors. Some others never admit to anything.
HP will often have a patch or fix or new driver or some way to workaround the issue. I am not bashing HP. I like there stuff, because I have used the stuff that comes from their competitors. Now I rather deal with a company that is up front.

The TS will resolve the problem if he spends some time on the HP site.OK, a lot of time.

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #40 on:** April 06, 2009, 05:07:21 PM »

interesting- I'd flag that bug as a showstopper.

rexy · « **Reply #41 on:** April 07, 2009, 10:41:28 AM »

Thank you everyone for your replies. Sorry I haven't been able to connect to the internet for a while, having a problem with Comcast now... always something.

BC I am plugging the printer and everything else into the computer directly, no hub.

I called HP "support" and got the run around for 30 minutes. He told me that it is not a printer issue since the printer works, and that I should try a USB hub. He couldn't tell my why a USB hub would fix it. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told they they are all in a meeting. Then he had me give him my serial number and discovered that I am 56 days out of warranty and told me there was nothing he could do and tried to get me to pay $60 for support so I hung up.

I looked at the HP web site and typed in my computer model number but didn't find anything that pertained to the problem I am having... Figures.

Any ideas?

rexy · « **Reply #42 on:** April 07, 2009, 12:18:41 PM »

Quote

reset ur BIOS . in this on board configuration click and then usb setting enable.it may be disable.just try it.

How do I do that sukhdeep?

Dias de verano · « **Reply #43 on:** April 07, 2009, 03:45:07 PM »

I found an HP all-in-one that someone had put out with the trash near my house. I took it home and found it had no ink cartridges but I hooked it up and downloaded the drivers. I thought that if the scanner worked I could use that. I could start the scanning program but nothing happened. This was with the HP connected to my powered hub. I connected it directly to one of the usb ports on the PC and the scanner worked perfectly. Hooray, I thought, until I noticed that the USB mouse had stopped working. So back in the trash.

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #44 on:** April 07, 2009, 04:28:51 PM »

This may be relevant.

Hot Fix for problems with SiS USB Host Controllers and Windows XP w/ Service Pack 2 has been fixed. -Source:
http://www.usbman.com/Guides/SiS%20USB%20Tips%20and%20Tricks.htm

That site also has some reviews of PCI USB cards. Maybe use of a PCI card will reduce the conflict problem with the HP Printer. The problem is widely reported elsewhere.

patio · « **Reply #45 on:** April 07, 2009, 05:14:42 PM »

Maybe it's good you didn't donate it as i advised....
Who would wish that grief on someone ? ?

rexy · « **Reply #46 on:** April 07, 2009, 11:21:20 PM »

Dias- scary... lol

Geek- Thanks for the link, it sounds a bit over my head... for now I think I will just live with having to unplug my printer if I want to use any mass storage devices in my USB ports. I need a switch or something.

Patio- I wouldn't wish this nightmare on my worst enemy!

Thank you all again for all of your hep!

Computer Hope Forum

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Author Topic: Some USB devices won't connect. (Read 15062 times)

rexy

Geek-9pm

rexy

GlitchPC

rexy

Laska

rexy

GlitchPC

rexy

GlitchPC

rexy

dr_iton

rexy

GlitchPC

rexy

GlitchPC

rexy

GlitchPC

dr_iton

rexy

BC_Programmer

rexy

BC_Programmer

rexy

rexy

patio

Geek-9pm

BC_Programmer

patio

Geek-9pm

rexy

patio

rexy

GlitchPC

Geek-9pm

rexy

sukhdeep

victor

BC_Programmer

Geek-9pm

BC_Programmer

rexy

rexy

Dias de verano

Geek-9pm

patio

rexy