Computer not recognizing USB devices.

[Punked Out Comp]

When I plug in my MP3 player or my Flash card reader, the computer does not see them connected. Both of them were recognized yesterday. When I open rhapsody, it does not see any devices connected, despite the fact that they have both been found my rhapsody in the past. When I open "My Computer" it says my MP3 player is disconnected, and when I mouse over Creative sync manager, it says no player connected. However, when I plug in my MP3 player, the computer does make the usual sound, and the player starts charging, so [i]something[i/] is working.

How do I fix this?



Edit: when I plug in the MP3 player and go to device manager, the MP3 player does show.

[Punked Out Comp]

Bump

[bailey]

when you use the usb devices you should have a icon on the task bar that you should click on the saftly remove hardware, namely a usb device, if you unplug a usb device without using this icon forst, you may mess something up.
I belive this pertaines to devices connected directly to a motherboard usb port, also the motherboard usb port can only supply a very small amount of power to all the usb porst on the motherboard, I belive this is only .5 amps at 5 volts.

one way around this limitition is to use a self-powered usb hub which will supply its own power to all the ports on the hub.

as for fixing your problem, you may need to uninstall the usb drivers , reboot the computer and then reinstall the usb drivers, this may correct the problem, and if it does, I would strongly recommend your getting the self-powered usb hub for future use.

[pam123]

Do you have a recent restore point ?

[Punked Out Comp]

I take my MP3 player out all the time without clicking safely remove hardware. Why has nothing happened until now? A couple of nights ago I plugged in my SD card reader and it was recognized by the computer and the next morning nothing was recognized, not the card reader or my MP3 player. Why would it suddenly have stopped working after several months of working fine after the same treatment?


But if that is the problem, how do I unistall the drivers, and then how do I reinstall them?

And besides, the computer sort of recognizes the MP3 player. It makes a sound when I plug and unplug it, and it starts charging. I just don't see it in the sys tray like I used to, My Computer says no player is connected, and Rhapsody doesn't see any player connected. So why is it still working in some ways, but not in others. I can't see the card reader being recognized anywhere.

[pam123]

The inevitable happened is what; listen to Bailey.
You can go do things the wrong way for a while but eventually you get caught.
Do you have a restore point?
If not you've got some repair/re-installs to do.

[Punked Out Comp]

no restore point.


So how do I do what I need to do?

[pam123]

For the Rhapsody account make sure you've backed up your account information and do the same for your music ( If the hard drive has enough space you can just move the music library to a temporary place of safety. ).
Go into Device Manager and remove the usb devices.
Now disconnect all the stuff from the usb slots, or the usb hub if you're using one.
Reboot
Now go into Add/Remove and uninstall the relevant programs, be as thorough as possible which means you'll also check 'C' Programs for any lingering folders and run a reg cleaner of your choice.
Reboot.
If you can reinstall your mp3 player and card reader and XP will recognize them you're in luck and don't have to do anything else except reinstall the software and move your music back.
If XP still won't cooperate you're likely looking at a registry repair or a possible repair install ( with attendant headaches. ).

edit : Restore points came save you a world of grief.

[Punked Out Comp]

Here's the thing I don't understand.

If my usb ports are completely messed up, why does my laptop still respond my zen in some ways? It still makes a sound when I connect and disconnect it, the zen turns on and charges, and rhapsody opens up, even though rhapsody doesn't show any device connected, and the zen is shown in device manager.

I just cant use it, and it doesn't show up anywhere but device manager.

Obviously the usb ports cant be totally messed up, or the laptop wouldn't respond at all




EDIT: In device manager, I found that all the USB host controllers and root hubs are working properly and my zen is working properly, according to Device Status. I don't know if this means anything or not. I can't seem to find the SD card reader though. I would think it would be the "SDA standard compliant SD host controller, but that stays in device manager after I disconnect my card reader, unlike my zen.

[pam123]

Your flash card reader isn't seen at all and your mp3 player is invisible to Rhapsody.
You have corrupted files.
The usb ports (hardware) are fine, it's the software that's damaged.

[Punked Out Comp]

Meaning that the prior diagnosis was correct, and I need to unistall and reinstall the drivers?

I'm just trying to make sure I don't do anything I don't have to. Thats why I'm asking so many questions rather than just doing first and asking later. I don't mean to be a pain.

[Punked Out Comp]

I assumed I didn't have any restore point because I never made one, but on a whim I just checked, and I do, so I'm going to go back to Thursday and see if that helps.






EDIT: Problem solved, but this presents new problems.

1: I don't see an icon for either device is the sys tray, which prevents me from clicking "safely remove hardware" because there is nothing to click.

2: Rhapsody is ignoring my SD reader.



Thank you very much for your help.

[pam123]

Part of the problem solved.
Do you have an XP cd ( Not a recovery disk.)?
If you do you can use the System File checker.
Information on it is here : http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310747
Start>Run>sfc/scannow
It will tell you if it needs the XP cd for repairs.
Follow the prompts and reboot when it's done ( usb devices disconnected during all of this please ).
To get back "safely remove" try the following :
With a usb device connected open My Computer right click on the device and click on eject.
That should bring it up.
To bring it back permanently this is likely to work : http://www.worldstart.com/tips/tips.php/2807

[sony29]

Hey dude

i think i know what your talking about you may need a driver for the USB ports

you can get this off the internet for FREE

if not ask me