Summary: We go over some quick fixes to make sure your system recognizes USB devices.
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I have a problem with my USB ports. Say I plug in my digital camera to upload some pictures to the tower or plug in my iPod to put music on it, my system won't recognize that they are plugged into the USB port unless I restart the entire system. This can get very annoying having to restart the computer every time I want to upload pictures, use my webcam, put music on my iPod etc. I have asked many of my friends if they have the same problem with their USB ports, but they don't. My system won't recognize anything that is connected into USB unless the system is restarted. |
USB is great when it works, but as you're experiencing, it can still be a pain when it doesn't.
USB's really only been around for a few years, and while most of the kinks have been worked out, not all of them have. Especially if you're on an older machine or operating system version.
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Since I don't have the specific configuration of your system, I can only make some general suggestions. USB functionality can be affected by many, many things.
- Make certain that your version of Windows is up to date by visiting Windows Update. There have been updates to the USB support in almost every version of Windows, especially the 9x and Me versions.
- Make certain that your system BIOS is up to date. BIOS support is an important part of USB support, and just like the operating system, there have been updates. Exactly where and how to get an updated BIOS will vary depending on the manufacturer of your computer - check with them.
- Make certain that your USB hardware drivers are up to date. The drivers are the hardware-specific interface between Windows and the USB ports. Getting updates to these drivers will depend on the manufacturer of your computer, or the manufacturer of your USB port add-in if the USB ports are on an expansion card, so you'll need to check with them.
- If you're running Windows XP, run the system file checker to ensure that Windows itself is not damaged: What is the System File Checker, and how do I run it?.
- An up-to-date spyware and virus scan wouldn't hurt either.
- If any software came with the devices you're having trouble with, make sure that's up to date, and installed properly.
The problem is that any or all of the above items could possibly impact your USB problems.
Related:
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How do I install my new USB device? Some USB devices simply require you simply plug it in to use them, but reviewing documentation that came with the device before you do is important.
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How can I tell if I have USB 2.0? USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0 is a significantly faster version of USB 1.1. Determining which you have is not at all obvious. But it is fairly easy.
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Why is my USB device asking for a CD when I attach it? When a USB device asks for a CD, it usually needs the drivers.
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Microsoft - General USB troubleshooting in Windows XP
Article C2445 - October 26, 2005
I wish re-booting would fix my problem.
Posted by: Colin at June 29, 2009 8:09 PMMy mouse and GPS connect OK to the USB ports, but my printer, memory stick, 7 port hub and iphone do not.
All connected ok, but for some reason, only mouse and GPS connect OK now.
Why has this happened?
i bought a 300N USB Adapter made by sitecom 2 days ago and when i woke up i put my usb adapter into my Compaq Presario CQ60 Laptop with Windows Vista Home Basic and it says the Usb can't be recognized, i reinstalled the drivers that were given with the USB device, still doesn't work. I restarted my laptop, still doesn't work. so what should i do Leo?
Posted by: Cornelis at September 14, 2009 8:22 AMSorry, I can't offer a solution. But I have a similar problem. I have a paid subscription for Bearshare and iMesh. They were working perfectly for two years but now neither one will recognize my mp3, a Sansa. My computer, however, recognizes it as Removeable Disk, no problem. Any suggestions for a solution would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Madonna at September 26, 2009 1:23 PMThis information is as close to useless. You forgot to add "reboot your machine" to the list of generic advice.
Posted by: john suregoen at September 28, 2009 5:07 AMI wish re-booting would fix my problem.
My mouse and GPS connect OK to the USB ports, but my printer, memory stick, 7 port hub and iphone do not.
All connected ok, but for some reason, only mouse and GPS connect OK now.
Why has this happened?
Silly person
usb Have a power Maximum. Your proberly overloading the power available to it.
7 + 3 usb attatchments is not good and is the likely cause.
would proberly reduce the performance of camera and also mouse.
wish people knew physics.
Posted by: Alexander. at September 30, 2009 10:11 AMI had the same problem with my dell 1710, would not read any usb unless i restarted the system. I contacted Dell support who advised me i may have a virus or malware. The answer for me was to download PC Doctor and run a scan, The scan showed up 26 types of virus and malware. You can download the software free to do a scan but you have to purchase a licence to make it remove the bugs, but it did identify a virus that no other software had. Upon removal all my usb's now work perfectly. Try the free scan it may save you a lot of lost time.
Posted by: Steve at October 1, 2009 6:33 AMI have a USB flash drive which was working fine until yesterday, when I plugged it into my computer, it comes up with this message, "USB device not recognised" I have all my work on it and unfortunately I did not back up my work. Can you help me. It starts to read it with the light going on, but then stops.
Posted by: Chantal August at October 16, 2009 5:43 PMi bought my usb cable 2 weeks ago and i have used it three times b4 and its function is okay. but today my PC cant detect my usb cable and i don't know how to solve this. Do i have to buy a new one?
Hmm.. that's sucks..
20-Oct-2009
Posted by: syafeeqah at October 19, 2009 11:09 PM
I have a new desktop acer, and a new hp deskjet4480. I purchased a usb cable at best buy with the comp, and printer. It says device not connected when i go through the steps on installing the printer from the cd that came with it! i am so frustrated i have a printer i cant use! I am not sure where which port the usb cable should go into, on the back of the comp, or in the front of the hardrive...is it possible that i need to purchase a new usb...or download new software from the hp website..plz help with any ideas!
Posted by: janet at November 10, 2009 6:58 PMI hooked my phone into my computer via USB before, and I was able to transfer ringtones and photos. Now when I try, it won't recognize my phone. it will recognize other items hooked through USB, and I even tried different cables for my phone. What can I check on my PC to see if it can be detected? I tired all of my phone options, and nothing has worked to this point. Thanks!
Posted by: Mark Ruschman at November 19, 2009 11:50 PM