Computer USB help please

[TICK MAGNET]

My computer (Dell Desktop with Windows XP) isn't detecting anything I put in my USB drives. It doesn't give me any kind of error message. It makes the sound that a USB device has been inserted (it actually makes the sound 3 times really fast), but the device is never listed in the drives under My Computer.

I did some research on simple fixes and have tried unplugging power for 10 mins and restarting computer, but it didnt work. I see a lot of people are having similar problems, but getting the error message, "USB port not recognized"....I do not get this message.

Can one of you computer savvy TBH bros please give me some tech support? Step by step instructions needed please!

Thank you!

[RealTreeHunter]

Every time that has happened to me, either the usb cord (where it plugs into the device, not the computer) was loose or the device I had the card in was messed up. Maybe try a different cord if you have one laying around.

[TICK MAGNET]

I think its the USB driver that might be messed up. The device i'm attempting to use is a wireless internet USB adapter. When I plug it into my laptop, it works fine.. The light on the adapter doesnt even come on when plugged into my desktop

[akey]

Have you gotten any weird messages saying you have spyware or have been infected with a virus?

[blacksunshine]

reboot in safe mode, go into device mangler, remove everything under usb serial bus controllers, reboot, it should redetect the usb controllers then after that plug in your usb devices and they should work no problem....

now that I think about it, depending on how many devices you have hanging off that usb controller, it is possible to have a scenario where there is not enough power to run all the usb devices...in that instance, remove usb devices or purchase an powered usb hub

[nck]

is your laptop XP? goto dell.com support, drivers and type in your model for a search. download the USB drivers listed for your computer. there could of been an update to your USB drivers to handle more USB devices.

[JLively]

First thing to try is plug in into a different USB port. Then try a different USB cable, preferably known good. Does other USB devices work in the port that this device does not? Eliminate everything hardware related first. Then go to drivers, etc.

[nck]

First thing to try is plug in into a different USB port. Then try a different USB cable, preferably known good. Does other USB devices work in the port that this device does not? Eliminate everything hardware related first. Then go to drivers, etc.

this is true but i've had more trouble with drivers and wireless adapters then anything else

[TICK MAGNET]

reboot in safe mode, go into device mangler, remove everything under usb serial bus controllers, reboot, it should redetect the usb controllers then after that plug in your usb devices and they should work no problem....

now that I think about it, depending on how many devices you have hanging off that usb controller, it is possible to have a scenario where there is not enough power to run all the usb devices...in that instance, remove usb devices or purchase an powered usb hub

I think I may have a power problem. I only have 2 ports on the front and then the mouse and printer and speakers...which are working. When I plug in my wireless adapter it doesnt "find new hardware". The adapter works fine in other computers, so I know its not the problem. How does the power hub work?
Also, can you give me step by step instructions on rebooting in safe mode and getting into device manager? I'm sorry I'm so computer slow!

Thanks!

[TICK MAGNET]

Well, I don't think that was the problem.... I just plugged something else in the USB port and it worked! Now why would my brand new wireless internet adapter not work in this computer, but works fine in others?

[BSOB]

have you just gone into device manager and looked to see if there is anythign listed with a yellow circle with exclamation point next to it?

to get to device manager, go to start, control panel, system, hardward tab, device manager. look through it and maybe even expand Universal serial bus controllers when the device is plugged in.

[JLively]

this is true but i've had more trouble with drivers and wireless adapters then anything else

Yes, that may be the case. But troubleshooting should always start with the easiest and eliminate as much variable as possible. USB hardware tests are extremely simple and all of the tests that I recommended take less than 1 minute total to perform. Once done you know that you don't have a hardware problem.

Another trick with USB is the order of the install. If you got anxious and plugged the device in prior to having proper drivers installed, it may not work on that particular USB port (until some more advanced removal is performed in device manager). Make sure that you have the latest drivers installed and THEN plug the device into a USB port that it has not previously been plugged into.