Kain Bloodstone
I have come across the same problem that apparently many Windows users are ailed with.
I thought I found the solution here when I googled the topic and was lead to this post http://www.ntcompatible.com/Desperately_need_help_---_USB_Devices_Not_Recognized_t32356.html
It seemed to work for everyone else, but it hasn't worked for me.
I have already done the Microsoft Standard 'moron checks' and I have added the stated USB Key to my registry. Nothing. I even unpluged my computer from the power supply twice, and still nothing.
My problem though, doesn't seem to be with any Modems, Printers, or flash cards..Instead my problem is with my USB Logitech Mouse and my APC Battery backup Power Strip.
My Device Manager tells me that everything is working fine. But when I plug in ANY USB Device, to ANY Port, it comes up as Unknown Device, and I get that annoying Malfunction Bubble that everyone else seems to get.
I don't know where else to go... I feel like Microsoft is just as much in the dark as the rest of us about this, and I was very excited to see that I'm not the only person with this problem. I almost got mad and formatted my computer, which I'm happy to say, I didn't go through with, because after finding this forum last night, I read that the format didn't work, and that would only add to my aggrevation.
Let me go ahead and follow suit by leaving you with some system specs.
Computer:
Alienware Area-51
Pentium4 3.1ghz
Windows XP Home Edition
Service Pack 2 (fully updated)
1gig DDR2 RAM
160gig HD.
ATI Radeon 9550 SE Video
Audigy 2 ZS Sound
ASUS PC4800 Mobo
If anyone has solved this problem or has ANY other methods I could try, please please let me know, I appreciate any and all help.
PS- I wasn't able to reply in the above said thread, thats why I'm making a new post out of it...sorry for inconvenience.
Thanks again.
I thought I found the solution here when I googled the topic and was lead to this post http://www.ntcompatible.com/Desperately_need_help_---_USB_Devices_Not_Recognized_t32356.html
It seemed to work for everyone else, but it hasn't worked for me.
I have already done the Microsoft Standard 'moron checks' and I have added the stated USB Key to my registry. Nothing. I even unpluged my computer from the power supply twice, and still nothing.
My problem though, doesn't seem to be with any Modems, Printers, or flash cards..Instead my problem is with my USB Logitech Mouse and my APC Battery backup Power Strip.
My Device Manager tells me that everything is working fine. But when I plug in ANY USB Device, to ANY Port, it comes up as Unknown Device, and I get that annoying Malfunction Bubble that everyone else seems to get.
I don't know where else to go... I feel like Microsoft is just as much in the dark as the rest of us about this, and I was very excited to see that I'm not the only person with this problem. I almost got mad and formatted my computer, which I'm happy to say, I didn't go through with, because after finding this forum last night, I read that the format didn't work, and that would only add to my aggrevation.
Let me go ahead and follow suit by leaving you with some system specs.
Computer:
Alienware Area-51
Pentium4 3.1ghz
Windows XP Home Edition
Service Pack 2 (fully updated)
1gig DDR2 RAM
160gig HD.
ATI Radeon 9550 SE Video
Audigy 2 ZS Sound
ASUS PC4800 Mobo
If anyone has solved this problem or has ANY other methods I could try, please please let me know, I appreciate any and all help.
PS- I wasn't able to reply in the above said thread, thats why I'm making a new post out of it...sorry for inconvenience.
Thanks again.
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Responses to this topic
djblackbeer
I am in Mexico and I bought a computer there in USA. The model is Hp Pavilion DV2125nr and it seems that it has the same problem with the USB ports, two days ago I was working in the laptop and the mouse suddenly shut down. When I powered on the computer it used to power the Usb mouse too now it doesn´t. I don´t know what to do the laptop is still under warranty but the HP service is weak here, it seems that I will need to fix it by myself so if you find out a solution please let me know, Regards.
djblackbeer
I am in Mexico and I bought a computer there in USA. The model is Hp Pavilion DV2125nr and it seems that it has the same problem with the USB ports, two days ago I was working in the laptop and the mouse suddenly shut down. When I powered on the computer it used to power the Usb mouse too now it doesn´t. I don´t know what to do the laptop is still under warranty but the HP service is weak here, it seems that I will need to fix it by myself so if you find out a solution please let me know, Regards.
Kain Bloodstone
OP
Sophora,
Actually I thought about that.
Windows might have installed a usb patch in one of its magnificent *gack* Windows Updates, that could have started the whole thing. But if this is true MS isn't saying anything, and so far they offer no more support then "Yes, we know its broken, and we're confused, but working on it".
Quite lame actually.
But I seem to have narrowed the source of the problem to a certain Yeppo MP3 player. It seems to the be the 1 device that throws my USB system into non-responsiveness, randomly.
For the record tho, my problem isn't on a HP, its on an Alienware with an ASUS P4C800-E Mobo.
Actually I thought about that.
Windows might have installed a usb patch in one of its magnificent *gack* Windows Updates, that could have started the whole thing. But if this is true MS isn't saying anything, and so far they offer no more support then "Yes, we know its broken, and we're confused, but working on it".
Quite lame actually.
But I seem to have narrowed the source of the problem to a certain Yeppo MP3 player. It seems to the be the 1 device that throws my USB system into non-responsiveness, randomly.
For the record tho, my problem isn't on a HP, its on an Alienware with an ASUS P4C800-E Mobo.
Sophora
Kain,
Thanks for the reply. Mine isn't on an HP either. It's on a self-built, 3.06Ghz P4.
Just curious: did you acquire your problem mp3 player new in box? My offending ipod shuffle was an open box return.
DJBlackbeer: can you narrow down the origin of your problem to a particular device?
Thanks for the reply. Mine isn't on an HP either. It's on a self-built, 3.06Ghz P4.
Just curious: did you acquire your problem mp3 player new in box? My offending ipod shuffle was an open box return.
DJBlackbeer: can you narrow down the origin of your problem to a particular device?
Sophora
Clueless,
What about you? can you narrow down your malfunction to one particular device? (sounds kinda like an insult...)
What about you? can you narrow down your malfunction to one particular device? (sounds kinda like an insult...)
djblackbeer
I don´t know which device could made the problem, I just had connected my usb mouse and an external USB Hard drive, I think that maybe it was an overvoltaje problem but whatever of these it has made a several problem because it doesn´t give power to my peripheral, I updated my bios and reinstalled the drivers but I think that is a physical problem not software, any comments??
MUCBASEBALL21
I have done some research and it's really starting to look like my ipod caused the issue. I have searched several forums and I keep seeing ipod's in the listings. I have a gateway laptop and am using a 4 port USB hub for about 6 months now (never experienced any issues). I just bought an ipod and the other day I plugged the ipod in and boom my computer shut down completely. I was scared to death!!!! I thought everything was fried!!! I left it off for about 30 minutes and unplugged all USB ports and it started up! I then started getting the "USB device not recognized" error. I then started researching and tried unplugging the power cord and battery and this worked!!!!!!! Until I plugged my ipod in..... My PC now recognizes everything but the ipod. I don't know what to do now. I just spent 300 bucks on a useless 30 gig ipod that I can't use! Great : )
Kain Bloodstone
OP
Sophora,
It is my Fiance's MP3 player, and she bought it from a friend for like 35 bucks. Didn't get any software for it, just the mp3 player and the MP3>USB converter thingy (for pluging it in)...
Baseball,
Look back to the very beginning of this thread, where I posted a few things, try Restacking your USB Drives, it worked for me once. But then I got the problems back. It has been known to be the end all method of fix for "some" people though, worth a shot. I have also done the Cache release (unplug computer from wall and let sit for 15-20 minutes), that worked once as well. It seems like my computer is learning, kinda like a cockroach who changes its DNA to overcome extinction. I just can't kill this problem, and when it returns, the fixes I used last time around don't seem to work again.
But a warning, DO NOT FORMAT OR RECOVER YOUR HARD DRIVE EXPECTING A SIMPLE FIX! You will be angry and disappointed.
I'm really hoping that eventually someone will come in here with the Cure All End All fix, or maybe Microsoft will offer us a bit more support. You'd think that being the biggest proprietary Software Distribution Corporation in the world, they would want to make sure all their stuff works and their consumers are happy....oh wait, I said proprietary didn't I?
-----
Decided to repost my system here so that people don't have to keep looking on front page to find it, in case it helps at all.
Alienware Area 51 Gaming PC
ASUS P4C800-E Motherboard
Intel P4 3.2ghz Processor (486 Pin Chipset)
1gig DDR2 Ram
160gig SATA HD
ATI Radeon 9550 SE Video Card
Audigy ZS 2 Sound Blaster
Windows XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2) Fully Updated
-----
It is my Fiance's MP3 player, and she bought it from a friend for like 35 bucks. Didn't get any software for it, just the mp3 player and the MP3>USB converter thingy (for pluging it in)...
Baseball,
Look back to the very beginning of this thread, where I posted a few things, try Restacking your USB Drives, it worked for me once. But then I got the problems back. It has been known to be the end all method of fix for "some" people though, worth a shot. I have also done the Cache release (unplug computer from wall and let sit for 15-20 minutes), that worked once as well. It seems like my computer is learning, kinda like a cockroach who changes its DNA to overcome extinction. I just can't kill this problem, and when it returns, the fixes I used last time around don't seem to work again.
But a warning, DO NOT FORMAT OR RECOVER YOUR HARD DRIVE EXPECTING A SIMPLE FIX! You will be angry and disappointed.
I'm really hoping that eventually someone will come in here with the Cure All End All fix, or maybe Microsoft will offer us a bit more support. You'd think that being the biggest proprietary Software Distribution Corporation in the world, they would want to make sure all their stuff works and their consumers are happy....oh wait, I said proprietary didn't I?
-----
Decided to repost my system here so that people don't have to keep looking on front page to find it, in case it helps at all.
Alienware Area 51 Gaming PC
ASUS P4C800-E Motherboard
Intel P4 3.2ghz Processor (486 Pin Chipset)
1gig DDR2 Ram
160gig SATA HD
ATI Radeon 9550 SE Video Card
Audigy ZS 2 Sound Blaster
Windows XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2) Fully Updated
-----
Sophora
Baseball, Kain, DJblackbeer: In your research, what would you guess is the oldest occurrence of this problem? It seems pretty recent to me (less than 4 months for most people).
Are we dealing with a previously undiscovered bug that is carried on otherwise innocuous usb devices? I certainly alters the hardware somehow, because as I noted: even my Linux OS doesn't read the devices. There are regedit fixes out there that lead nowhere.
I wonder if there's a commonality in that some of us (Sophora, Kain) seem to trace the problem to devices purchases used (and perhaps wiped before we got them (?)).
I can't help but think that this seems to be getting bigger as more people encounter it (virus, trojan, worm? crazy ol' me...)
If that's the case, then a REAL fix ought to be forthcoming.
Are we dealing with a previously undiscovered bug that is carried on otherwise innocuous usb devices? I certainly alters the hardware somehow, because as I noted: even my Linux OS doesn't read the devices. There are regedit fixes out there that lead nowhere.
I wonder if there's a commonality in that some of us (Sophora, Kain) seem to trace the problem to devices purchases used (and perhaps wiped before we got them (?)).
I can't help but think that this seems to be getting bigger as more people encounter it (virus, trojan, worm? crazy ol' me...)
If that's the case, then a REAL fix ought to be forthcoming.
Kain Bloodstone
OP
According to my research, this has been happening for a long time.
Infact, I have an article here dated back to June of 2005.
http://www.ntcompatible.com/Desperately_need_help_---_USB_Devices_Not_Recognized_t32356.html
I'm sure that it dates back a bit further as well, because some of the articles I've come across were having problems with their USB on Win98SE. Thats old... lol.
But yah, I'm really hoping a fix in is our future.
Not for anything, but have you noticed that this is the Biggest Topic in the forum right now? Heh.
Infact, I have an article here dated back to June of 2005.
http://www.ntcompatible.com/Desperately_need_help_---_USB_Devices_Not_Recognized_t32356.html
I'm sure that it dates back a bit further as well, because some of the articles I've come across were having problems with their USB on Win98SE. Thats old... lol.
But yah, I'm really hoping a fix in is our future.
Not for anything, but have you noticed that this is the Biggest Topic in the forum right now? Heh.
MUCBASEBALL21
Thanks Kain.
I have been experimenting a little bit and found some strange things. Now it looks like it wasn't my ipod.... well hopefully not. I did the whole cache release thing and prior to turning my pc on I plugged in my ipod and it worked. So I had three usb connections mouse, keyboard, and my ipod. I then tried to plug in an external hard drive to my hub and that was not recognized and also gave me a lack of power error. I wonder if this is a power issue? My hub has an external power supply so I wouldn't think this would be an issue. The really weird part is that I then unplugged my ipod from the usb cord and tried to plug it back in and boom it didn't recognize it. So now I have to go through the whole clearing cache again. This is really starting to get annoying. Hopefully a fix will be found soon.
I have been experimenting a little bit and found some strange things. Now it looks like it wasn't my ipod.... well hopefully not. I did the whole cache release thing and prior to turning my pc on I plugged in my ipod and it worked. So I had three usb connections mouse, keyboard, and my ipod. I then tried to plug in an external hard drive to my hub and that was not recognized and also gave me a lack of power error. I wonder if this is a power issue? My hub has an external power supply so I wouldn't think this would be an issue. The really weird part is that I then unplugged my ipod from the usb cord and tried to plug it back in and boom it didn't recognize it. So now I have to go through the whole clearing cache again. This is really starting to get annoying. Hopefully a fix will be found soon.
Kain Bloodstone
OP
Haha, welcome to my world, Baseball.
I've been ailed with this problem since a little bit before Christmas.
I've been ailed with this problem since a little bit before Christmas.
Sophora
Well, at the moment the devices in question are working! I did none of the things Kain and others did, simply because of reading everybody's frustration.
Twice now the USB ports turned up functioning, both times have been under the following circumstance: I haven't restarted, hibernated, shut down, etc. for about 72 hours.
Yesterday morning I jumped bright eyed out of bed and checked and the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon was present in my tray. With mounting suspense I clicked My Computer and Lo! the Card Reader was present, the External Hard Drive was present! Yeeeha.
At any rate: I have until next restart to get a bunch of stuff done.
Twice now the USB ports turned up functioning, both times have been under the following circumstance: I haven't restarted, hibernated, shut down, etc. for about 72 hours.
Yesterday morning I jumped bright eyed out of bed and checked and the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon was present in my tray. With mounting suspense I clicked My Computer and Lo! the Card Reader was present, the External Hard Drive was present! Yeeeha.
At any rate: I have until next restart to get a bunch of stuff done.
Sophora
Baseball: my crystal ball says it was a combination of the ipod and the sauerkraut. Get it? Sauerkraut::Hot Dogs, Hot Dogs::Baseball. OK, somebody else take a crack at bringing some levity to this frustrating topic.
reganweb
Unfortunately, I have the same problem as well, and it's killing me. I have a HP DV5020us laptop, and this problem happened to me about 3 days ago.
I set Napster to download a bunch of songs, and then went to class. I got back a few hours later and my computer had frozen up. I had to push the power button, and upon rebooting, none of my USB devices were recognized.
I'm at the end of my rope, here. I tried regedit fixes, turning off power and letting the capacitors bleed off, USB stacking, you name it, I tried it. I'm really frustrated, as I need to use my USB devices.
It's interesting to see how this has a. affected quite a few people recently, and b. affected a couple other people with HP pavilion laptops...
I set Napster to download a bunch of songs, and then went to class. I got back a few hours later and my computer had frozen up. I had to push the power button, and upon rebooting, none of my USB devices were recognized.
I'm at the end of my rope, here. I tried regedit fixes, turning off power and letting the capacitors bleed off, USB stacking, you name it, I tried it. I'm really frustrated, as I need to use my USB devices.
It's interesting to see how this has a. affected quite a few people recently, and b. affected a couple other people with HP pavilion laptops...
Scagnetty
I think I found the problem.
I have a wireless mouse USB 1.1 on a USB KVM switch (between 2 computers) and a newer USB 2.0 external hard drive and when I plug them in at the same time, the two devices will not work correctly (i.e. I get the malfunction message).
If I unplug the external HD, the mouse/keyboard work fine. If I unplug the mouse, the external HD will work fine.
I disabled my onboard 1.1 usb ports (I have a usb 2.0 pci card) and tried just to use the 2.0 ports but the same problem persists.
I do not have a USB 2.0 mouse around to plug in & test it out. I need the external for back up, I guess I will have to purchase a new mouse.
I'll pick one up and report back later.
I have a wireless mouse USB 1.1 on a USB KVM switch (between 2 computers) and a newer USB 2.0 external hard drive and when I plug them in at the same time, the two devices will not work correctly (i.e. I get the malfunction message).
If I unplug the external HD, the mouse/keyboard work fine. If I unplug the mouse, the external HD will work fine.
I disabled my onboard 1.1 usb ports (I have a usb 2.0 pci card) and tried just to use the 2.0 ports but the same problem persists.
I do not have a USB 2.0 mouse around to plug in & test it out. I need the external for back up, I guess I will have to purchase a new mouse.
I'll pick one up and report back later.
Kain Bloodstone
OP
Not much to report as of now, means how I've just been working on my Vista laptop instead of my main computer...my usb works on this comp...heh. Later I'll try messing with my computer again and see if anything changes.
Scagnetty
I'm pretty sure if you have 1.1 and 2.0 USB ports on your machine, or a 1.1 device... it's going to slow down the whole USB bus.
I didn't get a chance to get the mouse, I want to try my existing hardware (1.1 mouse & 2.0 ext. HD) on my Shuttle PC, it has all USB 2.0 bus, versus my other ASUS machine which has a 1.1 bus and 2.0 usb add in card (pci).
I hope this makes sense.
I didn't get a chance to get the mouse, I want to try my existing hardware (1.1 mouse & 2.0 ext. HD) on my Shuttle PC, it has all USB 2.0 bus, versus my other ASUS machine which has a 1.1 bus and 2.0 usb add in card (pci).
I hope this makes sense.
Sophora
It makes perfect sense. But I don't know how to tell if any of my devices are 1.1...also, if I have a 3.06Ghz P4, I would assume that all the ports are 2.0, but I acknowledge that may be an unsafe assumption.
Scagnetty: your situation, while somewhat different, still has me blaming one device along the way for the origin of the problem. In your case it may have been the mouse...or it may have been the KVM switch itself. Are any of the devices in question used, by chance?
(Allow me to continue my paranoid skepto-phrenic vein: Is there a "design obsolescence" bug geared at causing us all to march down in frustration and buy new devices? Hence the prolonged silence from those who could fix it?)
Scagnetty: your situation, while somewhat different, still has me blaming one device along the way for the origin of the problem. In your case it may have been the mouse...or it may have been the KVM switch itself. Are any of the devices in question used, by chance?
(Allow me to continue my paranoid skepto-phrenic vein: Is there a "design obsolescence" bug geared at causing us all to march down in frustration and buy new devices? Hence the prolonged silence from those who could fix it?)
Scagnetty
I have another guess at it:
I moved my ext. USB backup drive off the top of the PC up about 12 inches onto a nearby table and the USB malfunction message has not returned since.
I think I read or heard somewhere if you have too many USB devices close together or too close to a USB wireless transmitter (my mouse), something is going to go wrong. It's been 10+ hrs. and the message has not returned.
I can monitor the situation this weekend and write back on Sunday evening.
I hope this helps someone out there.
PS. All my equipment I purchased new, nothing used. I have used it over several years though. The newest thing is the ext. USB HDD which I don't know how I got along w/o it. Greatest thing (along with Norton 10 daily automatic backup) since sliced bread.
I moved my ext. USB backup drive off the top of the PC up about 12 inches onto a nearby table and the USB malfunction message has not returned since.
I think I read or heard somewhere if you have too many USB devices close together or too close to a USB wireless transmitter (my mouse), something is going to go wrong. It's been 10+ hrs. and the message has not returned.
I can monitor the situation this weekend and write back on Sunday evening.
I hope this helps someone out there.
PS. All my equipment I purchased new, nothing used. I have used it over several years though. The newest thing is the ext. USB HDD which I don't know how I got along w/o it. Greatest thing (along with Norton 10 daily automatic backup) since sliced bread.
