Troubleshoot: Windows Won't Recognize USB Hard Drive / Fix Unassigned Drive Letter

Troubleshoot: Windows Won't Recognize Your USB Drive / Unassigned Drive Letter
Rewritten 11/21/09
Intro
There are many possible and varied reasons why Windows might
=> Stop recognizing your USB drive
=> Stop displaying that familiar USB drive letter in Explorer or My Computer
=> Report the drive media is write protected
=> Report it can't read the USB drive (e.g. it says the drive is unformatted or a raw filesystem or reports the incorrect partition size)

You'll find a number of troubleshooting steps below as well as links to related USB topics

If you’re not familiar with USB troubleshooting, suggest you
> Start by going through the General Steps sequentially
> Followed by Additional Steps and related links as might apply
Otherwise, feel free to start and use the information below however you see fit!

Also: To avoid problems with USB devices in the future also see How to Avoid Problems with USB Storage Devices

Related Links

USB Device Problems? Check for Windows Updates
How to Check Hardware / Connection Issues with your USB Device
CD/DVD or Disk Problems? How to Fix Problems Caused by Filters
How to Reinstall Your USB Controllers and Motherboard Chipset Drivers
How to use G-Parted-Live-CD for USB storage device problems
How to Avoid Problems with USB Storage Devices

Troubleshooting
1. General Troubleshooting Steps for: All USB storage device problems

Run Windows Update
=> Windows has a long history of USB problems and bug fixes

See USB Device Problems? Check for Windows Updates

Uninstall then re-install your USB storage devices (such as USB CD/DVD, flash and hard drives)
=> Your system may still have old USB installation data which conflicts with the USB devices you're now trying to use

Use the Drivecleanup tool to uninstall and remove old installation data for unplugged USB storage devices
See How to use the DriveCleanupTool

Unplug other USB devices
=> A different USB device might be the real root cause of your problem

Unplug your other USB devices to take them out of the equation when you’re testing and trying to fix your USB drive
It’s OK to leave USB mice and keyboards plugged in. However
>> Note some tests in this Guide that specifically require otherwise
>> If you have the option to use a non-USB mouse and keyboard while testing, IMHO "you may as well use ‘em"
Undock any docking stations. Disconnect hubs
Plug your USB drive directly to your computer (Don’t use external USB hubs while testing except when told otherwise!!)

Connect AC adapters
=> Don’t rely on USB ports for power when you don't have to. If your USB device has its own AC adapter, use it!

Connect USB drive AC adapters even if "the adapter is supposed to be optional" or "you never had to connect it before"
>> Note: A device LED only indicates the device is getting some power but doesn't mean the device is getting enough power!
Plug-in laptops

Check hardware connectivity for possible points of failure

See How to Check Hardware / Connection Issues with your USB Device

Check if Windows filter drivers may be the problem
=> Bad or corrupt filter drivers can cause CD/DVD, flash and hard disk drives to not work correctly

See CD/DVD or Disk Problems? How to Fix Problems Caused by Filters

Check the USB Storage device driver
=> If no USB storage devices can connect the driver might be disabled (may be a sign of malware)

Connect the USB storage device
Run Serviwin (http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/serviwin.html). Click View->Drivers
Scroll to USBSTOR. Verify StartupType=Manual and Status=Started
If StartupType= Disabled, rt click to change it to Manual. Reboot

Reinstall the USB controllers and motherboard chipset drivers
=> When it appears that your USB ports just aren't working right

How to Reinstall Your USB Controllers and Motherboard Chipset Drivers

Check for Viruses / Malware
=> Malware infections can interfere with USB drive functionality. See

8-step Malware Removal Instructions (http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic58138.html)
Virus removal from USB Drives (http://www.whoismadhur.com/2008/01/26/how-to-remove-virus-from-usb-drives/)


2. Additional Steps when: USB Drive Doesn't Appear in Explorer or My Computer
If the USB drive appears in Device Manager but not in My Computer or Explorer

Check Windows policy settings in the registry
=> Windows may be configured to hide drives from view in Explorer and My Computer (may be a sign of malware)

Click Start->Run, enter regedit to open the Registry Editor
Navigate to key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explor er
Look for a value named NoDrives. If the key or value doesn't exist, there's nothing being hidden
Otherwise, rt click NoDrives then delete it and reboot to unhide all drives

Fix Drive Letter Conflicts
=> Your USB device may be trying to use a drive letter reserved by a different device or prior installation

Use the DriveCleanup tool (see above) to uninstall then reinstall USB storage devices

3. Additional Steps when: Write Protected, Raw Filesystem, or for General Read/Write Error Messages

Correct filesystem errors
=> If the drive is detected and is assigned a drive letter

Run chkdsk x: /r (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265) (where x: is the USB drive letter)

Check if Write Protection enabled
=> If all your USB storage devices appear to be write protected

Click Start->Run, enter: regedit
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control
If sub-key StorageDevicePolicies exists, rt click then delete it

=> Also: Closely examine your flash drive. Make sure there's not a write protect switch or tab on it
Data Recovery
=> Download TestDisk and PhotoRec (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Download) freeware tools. (The one download gives you both)

TestDisk may help recover lost data on corrupt or deleted partitions (click for instructions) (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Step_By_Step)
PhotoRec focuses on recovering lost Photo and Image files (click for instructions) (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec_Step_By_Step#Run_PhotoRec_executable)

=> A couple "Try then Buy" commercial data recovery tools are listed below. I've never used either but
> I've seen people often (not always) post good results after using the two commercial tools listed below
> The tools will report (for free) the names of the files it can find. You'll need to buy it before it attempts to recover those files
> Note: Finding lost file names is a good start but still doesn't guarantee the results

Partition Table Doctor (http://www.ptdd.com/)
Get Data Back (http://www.runtime.org/data-recovery-faq.htm)


4. Additional Steps when: All Else Fails

Data Recovery
=> If your USB drive is physically damaged it may be impossible for Windows to detect it let alone for s/w tools to recover any data

Flash drives, in particular, are notoriously more prone to physical h/w damage then most people seem to think
In such cases, your best recovery option may be to hire a professional data recovery service. They'll open the drive to attempt recovering data directly from the media
Of course, it's your decision if the recovery $$ cost outweighs losing the data (and please substitute the currency symbol of your choice :) )

Reformat the Drive
=> Reformatting the drive will erase all the data on the drive but may allow you to reuse the drive (if you still trust it!)
=> Click for info (http://www.techspot.com/vb/post687891-2.html) to reformat your drive

Troubleshoot: Windows Won't Recognize Your USB Hard Drive
Part2, Fix a Drive Letter that Doesn't Appear
So you've connected your USB drive and wait for that familiar drive letter to appear in Windows Explorer or My Computer. So then you wait.. and wait… and wait some more and then.. nothing happens??!!

Windows drive letter conflicts are often the reason behind a missing drive letter but! a missing driver letter can also be the after affect of a different "upstream" problem (e.g. a USB driver error prevents basic communication in the first place which, in turn, prevents the drive letter from appearing).

Unless you’re quite familiar with troubleshooting USB drive problems it’s advised you start from the beginning! (this post is actually Part 2 of 3)

Start with Part1, General Information and Troubleshooting, Initial Troubleshooting section
Return here Part 2, Fix a Drive Letter that Doesn't Appear if a drive letter problem is indicated
See Part 3, USB Drives: How to boot from a G-Parted-Live-CD to test / try fix USB drive problems for extended troubleshooting
Note !!NEVER, EVER!! unplug a USB drive before you first either

Stop the USB drive. Use the Safely Remove Hardware icon. Do not unplug the device until you're told the device is stopped
Shutdown Windows
USB devices are “hot pluggable”. This means you can plug them in any time. It does NOT mean you can unplug/power off anytime! Doing so can cause data storage corruption which can mean partial or total loss of your data!!
Troubleshoot: Is Windows hiding the drive letter?
Windows can be configured to simply not display a drive letter. Is the expected drive letter set to be hidden?

Check if you're running a 32- or 64-bit version of Windows Click here for instructions (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827218)
If you run XP

Click here for the 32-bit XP version of TweakUI (http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/c/a/fca6767b-9ed9-45a6-b352-839afb2a2679/TweakUiPowertoySetup.exe)
Click here for the 64-bit XP version of TweakUI (http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/c/a/fca6767b-9ed9-45a6-b352-839afb2a2679/TweakUIPowertoySetup_ia64.exe)
Within TweakUI click My Computer->Drives. For each drive letter
=> Check/uncheck a drive letter to display or hide the drive letter
=> Click OK after you make any changes

If you run Vista

Click here for 32-bit Vista version of WinBubble. (http://www.download.com/WinBubble/3000-2094_4-10773093.html) Run WinBubble. Click the Security tab. Under Hide it!
=> Notice the partial list of drive letters. Click Specifc Drive to see all drive letters
=> Check/uncheck a drive letter to display or hide the drive letter
=> Click Apply
Unfortunately, I'm not aware of a tool for 64-bit Vista
=> Click for instructions on "how-to" manually check/configure for hidden drive letters under 64-bit Vista (http://www.winvistatips.com/hide-hard-drive-a133674.php)
=> If anyone is aware of a 64-bit Vista tool to manage hidden drive letters please post and let me know!
Troubleshoot: Drive Letter Conflicts
Windows may assign, reserve and store drive letters for a device and/or partitions and volumes found on a device. Devices include: internal drives, external drives (such as USB and Firewire / IEEE 1394 drives) , network mapped drives and locally mapped folders
The problem
Windows doesn't always do a very good job at actually managing all those drive letter assignments and reservations

The first time you connect your USB storage device

Windows assigns one or more drive letters as needed, one for each partition it finds on the storage device
Windows stores this info along with other data about the USB device connection

You later disconnect your USB device
=> USB device connection data is not deleted when the device is disconnected
=> It's deleted when the device is uninstalled!
Sometime while your device is disconnected Windows goes ahead and assigns some other device the same drive letter!
If the drive letter is taken at the time you reconnect your USB device, there's a DRIVE LETTER CONFLICT!
=> Windows doesn't report an error nor does it just assign new drive letters. Rather, it doesn't display the device at all!

A fix: Manually assign new drive letters

Start Disk Management (Click Start->Run, enter diskmgmt.msc)
In the lower pane, find your USB device. For each unassigned disk partition on the device

Right click the unassigned partition, select Change Drive Letters and Paths. Click Add
Assign a drive letter from the pulldown menu. Click OK

The USB device and its partition(s) should now appear in both Windows Explorer and My Computer
Additional Tools: Commands to help fix unassigned drive letter problems
Enter commands below in a command prompt window (tools courtesy of http://www.uwe-sieber.de/drivetools_e.html)
=> For how to open / copy / paste to a command prompt window click here (http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?p=728156#post728156)
=> If you’d like more help on installing these commands and see more examples click here (http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?p=727106#post727106)

DriveCleanup (download: drivecleanup.zip (http://www.uwe-sieber.de/files/drivecleanup.zip))
Removes all "nonpresent" (unconnected and/or powered-off) drives from the registry. This includes the device's connection data (including the drive letter which may be cause of the problem) for currently nonpresent devices: "Storage Volumes", "Disks", "CDROMs", "Floppies"
=> Usage

drivecleanup -T
Add parameter -T to only display which devices would be removed (but not actually removing any of them)
drivecleanup
With no parameter, it does its job without further inquiry

=> Notes

Admin privilege is required

ListDosDevices (download: listdosdevices.zip (http://www.uwe-sieber.de/files/listdosdevices.zip))
Drive letters are references to kernel objects thru 'symbolic links'. ListDosDevices shows which 'symbolic link' is behind each drive letter. For historical reasons they are sometimes called 'DOS device names'
=> Usage: listdosdevices
=> The example output shows devices:A: Floppy
C: + D: partitions of a fixed drive
E: + F: CD or DVD drives
P: Network drive
S: Subst drive
U: USB flash drive (Win2000, XP, 2003, under Vista the 'DOS device name' looks like a partition)
Y: TrueCrypt drive
Sample:
A: REMOVABLE \Device\Floppy0
B: ----
C: FIXED \Device\HarddiskVolume1
D: FIXED \Device\HarddiskVolume2
E: CDROM \Device\CdRom0
F: CDROM \Device\CdRom1
G: ----
H: ----
I: ----
J: ----
K: ----
L: ----
M: ----
N: ----
O: ----
P: REMOTE \Device\LanmanRedirector\;P:0000000000013548\server01\public
Q: ----
R: ----
S: FIXED \??\C:\Dokumente und Einstellungen\Uwe\Anwendungsdaten
T: ----
U: REMOVABLE \Device\Harddisk5\DP(1)0-0+19
V: ----
W: ----
X: ----
Y: FIXED \Device\TrueCryptVolumeY
Z: ----


DeleteDosDevice (download: deletedosdevice.zip (http://www.uwe-sieber.de/files/deletedosdevice.zip))
If a software application had created a virtual drive and that software crashes later, it leaves the dead drive letter behind. When the software is started again, the software in question may be able to fix this but sometimes it just sees a drive letter in use. In such cases you can remove the dead drive letter using DeleteDosDevice
=> Usage:

deletedosdevice x:
Removes drive volume X:

Remount (download: remount.zip (http://www.uwe-sieber.de/files/remount.zip))
Use Remount to quickly change drive letters without having to do it through Disk management
=> Usage

remount f: u:
To change drive F: to U:
remount f: u: -s
If both letters are already in use and need to be swapped, add parameter -s
remount c: x: -f
If remounting the Windows system drive or mounting a local drive to a letter used by a network drive, use parameter -f (force)

=> Notes:

Instead of drive letters you can use NTFS mount points too
Admin privilege is required

Troubleshoot: Windows Stops Recognizing Your USB Hard Drive
How to boot from a G-Parted-Live-CD to try fix USB drive problems
There's a long list of reasons why Windows may stop recognizing your USB drive and/or stops displaying that familiar drive letter in Explorer. It sometimes becomes a challenge to find the problem cause

In such cases, it can help to isolate the problem: Try to rule out Windows and your other computer software

Create a known and read-only software environment on a boot CD
Boot from CD. Test your drive to see how it behaves when your computer is running an alternate software envirnoment

This Guide

Provides two freeware tools G-parted and TestDisk that might help you fix/recover partition related errors that may be causing your problem


Instructions to create a Gparted-Live boot CD which will provide a bootable software environment along with test tools on the CD
Guidance to use the CD based software for testing and, if needed, partition management / repair

The Gparted-Live-CD includes an assortment of freeware / public source code based tools. Software tools included with the Gparte-Live-CD

Gparted. Offers drive detection, partition management and data edit and recovery
TestDisk. Yet another detect, manage and recovery tool

Gparted tool. Gparted is the Gnome Partition Editor. (If you like interesting acronyms: Gnome is part of GNU). Use Gparted to help detect, manage and recover your disk partitions and data. More info at:

Gparted web site (http://gparted.sourceforge.net/index.php)
Gparted documentation (http://gparted.sourceforge.net/documentation.php”)
Gparted FAQ (http://gparted.sourceforge.net/faq.php)
Gparted Screenshots (http://gparted.sourceforge.net/screenshots.php)

TestDisk tool. TestDisk is a detect / some partition management / more-so-a recovery tool on the Gparted-Live CD. Since it’s freeware, you may want to simply try it and decide things yourself. More info at:

TestDisk website (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk)
TestDisk documentation (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Step_By_Step) (including screenshots)

Creating/booting a Gparted-Live CDTo create CD

Click here (http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=115843&package_id=271779#) for Gparted-Live-CD download page
The page lists current and past releases
Find latest .iso file release at top of list. Click and Save to disk. An ISO (pronounced EYE–so) file is an image of an optical disk's playable surface
Burn iso file to CD. Pretty much all CD burn software supports iso. Check your documentation (look for iso in the index or simply search for iso in the doc)
To boot from CD

Power off your computer. Disconnect all USB devices
Insert CD. Power on
BIOS boots from first device found containing bootable media. BIOS settings define the search order. Order should put CD before internal hard drive.
Some systems also provide a Boot Menu. When the boot device is manually selected via Boot Menu, the device search by BIOS is skipped
==> Check your system documentation for available methods
The CD boots into Linux (another Operating System). When prompted for startup values, hit Enter for defaults. Defaults work for most systems but you may need to select a non-default resolution if display problems occur with default

Use Gparted to test the USB hard drive
You need first understand the device naming conventions used
Device Naming Conventions
Linux device names are created as follows

Bus Type – Defines the start of the device name

IDE devices start /dev/hd
SCSI / USB devices start /dev/sd

Drives - A letter after Start of device name differentiates drives

Example: These names represent two different IDE drives (/dev/hda vs. /dev/hdb)

Partitions – A digit occurs after a drive letter to differentiate partitions

(/dev/hdb1 and /dev/hdb2 are different partitions on the same drive
/dev/hdc1 is a different partititon on a different drive)


How to Perform a Quick USB detect test
A test result is referred to as USB detect result n where n is a digit representing the specific type of result. An explanation of each USB detect result is provided later below

Disconnect all USB
Boot from CD. Gparted’s first screen includes info about the partitions found on computer’s boot drive
Click Gparted->Devices. Identify other drives found at start up
Connect USB drive. Wait 30-60 seconds
Click Gparted->Refresh->Devices then Gparted->Devices
Does USB drive appear now? If yes, verify drive info is what you expect
>> (eg. disk size, number and types of partitions) <<
Use Gparted to check if your USB hard drive is detected
If USB drive is now detected and drive info is correct see Detect Result #1 otherwise continue
How to Perform a System-level USB detect test

Disconnect all USB. Reboot from CD. As above, verify which drives detected on boot
Open Linux window: double click window icon (top of Gparted window) type dmesg for system log
Connect USB drive
Open new Linux window, get system log. Compare new/old logs to find USB entries after connect. Verify new device name of USB device
Click Gparted->Refresh Devices then Gparted->Devices. Is USB device among the devices?
=> If USB drive is listed in Devices see Detect Result #1
=> If USB drive not listed in Devices and USB drive not found in system log see Detect Result #2
=> If USB drive not listed in Devices but USB drive does appear in system log see Detect Result #3

Checking USB Detect Test Results
Different USB Detect results below along with indication what each means as likely problem source
=> USB Drive hardware can be: the internal disk, the case enclosure, AC power adapter, USB cable
=> Computer hardware can be: BIOS, internal boards, USB ports, etc.

Drive detected by Gparted and recognized correctly
Probably software issue, Windows or other software running (including a virus!)
> Once Gparted sees the device name
=> you can use Gparted and TestDisk to manage partitions / attempt data repair or recovery
=> Still check system log for USB drive error messages as they may help identify problems if seeing the drive but incorrect partition info <

Drive not found in system log or detected by Gparted
Your drive isn’t even sensed by hardware. Could be USB Drive or Computer Hardware

Drive found in system log but not seen by Gparted
Sensed by hardware so computer tries reading. Log should reveal device errors (I/O, corruption, etc.) which are severe so Linux (and probably Windows) will not present the new device to other software to see/use. Problem is likely the USB drive or hardware or in system-level software (eg. drivers, driver filters, services)
Using Testdisk

Connect USB drive
Open Linux window. Enter TestDisk
Follow tell prompts till choice of drives listed (along with drive’s info)
If USB drive not listed

Exit TestDisk
Unplug the drive. After a short wait reconnect the drive
Start TestDisk again

Also see Usb Power Limitations here (http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?p=657082#1)

How to Reinstall Your USB Controllers and Motherboard Chipset Drivers
This post describes how to reinstall

Windows' USB device controllers, and
Your motherboard's chipset drivers

If you're having problems with USB drives, you can also see Troubleshooting Guide Windows Won't Recognize Your USB Hard Drive (http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?p=720762)

Part 1: Uninstall your USB storage devices
Note: You must logon to an account with admin privileges before you proceed
You can skip this step if your USB problem doesn't involve your USB storage devices

Download DriveCleanup.zip (http://www.uwe-sieber.de/files/drivecleanup.zip). Unzip and save the files in directory C:\Windows\System32
Shutdown your computer. Wait until it's powered off
Disconnect your USB storage devices. (USB storage devices include: USB hubs, USB hard drives and flash drives, flash memory cards and USB external CDs.) A USB Mouse, keyboard or network adapters can remain connected
Restart your system
Open a command prompt window (http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?p=728156#post728156) (If Vista, you need an elevated command prompt window). Enter: drivecleanup
>> For more detail and an example you can also see this post about the drivecleanup tool


Part 2: Reinstall the USB Controllers and/or Motherboard Chipset Drivers
Note: You must be logon to an account with admin privileges before you proceed
Uninstalling USB controllers is much simpler and easier if you don’t have any USB devices connected at the time. (Otherwise, you'll be uninstalling a USB device while it is still connected and using the very controllers you want to uninstall)
To avoid use of a USB Keyboard

Make sure your computer can shutdown and reboot to your Windows desktop without requiring any keyboard input (e.g. set Windows to Autologon so it won’t prompt for a user id and password to complete the System restart)

To avoid use of a USB Mouse

Use a non-USB mouse port. Check if you have a PS/2 (or other non-USB) port you can use. Then, just buy a port adapter for your USB mouse, OR
If you have a 2nd computer, you can use it for remote logon (so mouse/keyboard not needed on remote logon computer)

Here’s some free remote logon tools you can use. If the computer you're trying to fix runs

XP Pro: you can use MS Remote Desktop (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx)
Win2000, all versions XP or Vista: you can use LogMeIn (free version) (https://secure.logmein.com/products/free/)

To Reinstall the Controllers and/or Motherboard Chipset Drivers

Shutdown your computer. Unplug / disconnect all your USB devices. If you can't find a non-USB connection for your mouse

Continue with ONLY your USB mouse connected
Be patient. Windows might take more time when uninstalling a USB controller that still has a device attached to it
Watch for any message pop-ups that might indicate the uninstall process wasn't fully successful

If your computer is attached to a port replicator or docking station unattach it
Startup your computer. Open Device Manager. Look for the USB category and click the + plus sign to expand the category
The only USB devices you should see if you've removed all USB devices are Controllers and Root Hubs
Notes
> Some additional devices might also appear if you still have a USB Mouse connected
> Your USB 2.0 controller will appear in Device Manager as the "Enhanced Controller"
(click thumbnail for full size image)
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9576/devmgrenhancedcontrolle.th.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9576/devmgrenhancedcontrolle.jpg)
You want to use Device Manager to rt click Uninstall each USB Controller you see
The controller uninstall order makes no difference if no USB devices are connected (e.g. a mouse/keyboard)
If your USB mouse is still connected, you'll need to uninstall the controller connected to the mouse last
If you also want to reinstall your Motherboard Chipset Drivers, do it now. Install the chipset drivers WHILE your USB controllers are uninstalled (thanks to guinnyss for noting the order of: 1st uninstalling USB controllers and only then re-installing the chipset drivers. The order made the difference between working vs. not working in their case!)
Reboot your computer. Windows will reinstall the USB controllers
You can reconnect your USB devices once windows is done reinstalling the USB controllers

How to Check Hardware / Connection Issues with your USB Device
Also see, Troubleshooting Guide Windows Won't Recognize Your USB Hard Drive (http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?p=720762) if you’re having problems with USB drives
Before you begin testing

Unplug other USB devices
=> A different USB device might be the real root cause of your problem

Unplug your other USB devices to take them out of the equation when you’re testing and trying to fix your USB drive
It’s OK to leave USB mice and keyboards plugged in. However
>> Note some tests in this Guide that specifically require otherwise
>> If you have the option to use a non-USB mouse and keyboard while testing, IMHO "you may as well use ‘em"
Undock any docking stations. Disconnect hubs
Plug your USB drive directly to your computer (Don’t use external USB hubs while testing unless noted otherwise!!)

Connect AC adapters
=> Don’t rely on USB ports for power. If your USB device has its own AC adapter, use it!

Connect USB drive AC adapters even if "the adapter is supposed to be optional" or "you never had to connect it before"
>> Note: A device LED indicates the device is getting some power but it doesn't mean the device is getting enough power!
Plug-in laptops

Check if the problem is because of Windows vs. the BIOS, chipset drivers or hardware
=> Boot into a different OS
=> Then plug in the USB device to see if the problems is with your Windows installation

For instructions to boot into Knoppix, see Step 2 in How to recover your folders/files when Windows won’t boot

Rule out problems with the device itself
=> Plug your device into a different computer

See if the problem moves with the device or remains local to your computer hardware and configuration

Try different USB cables
=> The cable itself may fail. Also note: older USB v1.1 cables have less shielding then newer USB 2.0 cables

Try different cables
Try the shortest cables you have (Poor shielding and long cables can= Noise)

Try the other USB ports on your computer
=> One of the USB ports on your computer may have failed

Try plugging your device directly into each of the other USB ports on your computer
Plug directly to your computer’s USB ports. Don’t use hubs, port replicators, docking stations, etc

Prevent the USB controllers from entering a suspended state
=> This still outstanding Windows bug can prevent USB devices from being detected

See Why doesn't my computer detect my new USB device when I'm running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003? (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314634)

Disable USB Power Management
=> Windows' USB Power Management has long been problematic. (And there’s also a long history of hotfixes to prove it!)

IMHO I advise disabling USB power management options to both rule out and help avoid power management related problems
Caveat for laptop users: Laptops on battery power will drain a bit quicker when USB devices aren’t allowed to sleep
>> Laptop users may choose to enable/disable this feature, as needed, while running on battery power

Open Device Manager. Select Universal Serial Bus controllers
Right-click each USB Root Hub
Click Properties then click the Power Management tab
Clear the check box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power box (This prevents USB sleep mode for that Root Hub)
Click OK to close the USB Root Hub Properties window

Check for USB Hub and Device Power Issues
USB hubs help provide power to your USB attached devices
=> See How to Check USB Device and USB Hub Power Issues and Limitations

How to Check USB Device and USB Hub Power Issues and Limitations
If you’re having USB problems, you can also refer to
=> How to Check Hardware / Connection Issues with your USB Device
=> Troubleshoot: Windows Won't Recognize Your USB Hard Drive

USB Overview
Host Controllers
The host is a PC or other computer that contains both a host controller and root hub. The host controller and root hub work together to allow Windows to communicate with devices on the computer's USB data bus. The host controller
=> Formats data for transmitting on the USB bus
=> Translates received data to a format that Windows can understand
=> Performs other functions related to managing communications on the USB bus

Hubs
Hubs have several important functions

A root hub is "inside" of your computer. Each root hub provides for one or more of the USB ports provided on your computer itself. A root hub, in combination with the host controller
=> Detects when you attach or remove a USB hardware device (and is what reports the hardware detection/change to Windows)
=> Carries out requests from the host controller
=> Passes data between devices on the USB data bus and the host controller. USB Hubs and Devices Overview
USB devices
=> May draw some or all of their power from a USB port
=> All devices attached to the same USB port must share the power available from the port

USB Hubs
=> One normally thinks of a USB hub as being external to the computer but computers also have internal hubs (one per controller)
=> The internal hubs appear in Device Manager listed as "Root" hubs
=> The external hubs appear in Device Manager listed as "Generic hubs". They are user configurable

Root vs. Generic Hubs
USB Hubs appear in Device Manager when they’re connected
=> Internal hubs are normally listed as Root Hubs
=> External hubs are normally listed as Generic Hubs

Hubs expand the number of USB ports available on a computer and are responsible for providing and managing the power to USB ports[/I]
Generic Hub may also appear in Device Manager when you add a device that comes with integrated USB ports and therefore also acts as a hub (e.g. some keyboards and monitors come with integrated USB ports)
Self-Powered vs Bus-Powered Hubs
Hubs can be either [I]bus-powered, drawing power directly from the USB bus, or self-powered, drawing power from an external AC adapter

Bus-powered hubs can provide up to 100 milliamperes (mA) of power per port. They can power a maximum of four ports
Self-powered hubs, on the other hand, typically provide up to 500 mA of power per port. They can provide power for more than four ports

USB Voltage Requirements
Voltage supplied by a host or a powered hub ports must be between 4.75 V and 5.25 V
=> If you're having USB issues and you've ever changed your USB jumpers, double check them!
=> If you've never touched the USB jumpers, this issue probably doesn't apply to you
=> A USB tech reference for geeks (http://www.hardwarebook.info/Universal_Serial_Bus_(USB)) :)
About AC Adapters...
Plug in any AC adapters
=> If your USB hub or device has an AC adapter, plug it in!
=> Don’t believe its power supply is OK simply because you see its power light turn on when connected!
How to view USB Hub and Device Power Usage
Check each USB hub to see if it's bus- or self- powered and check the power usage required by each attached device
=> Open Device Manager
=> Rt click each Root and Generic Hub, select Properties then click the Power tab
=> See also, One or more USB devices may not work after you start your Windows XP-based computer (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885624)

Example
For this example, I set-up the following hardware

I am working on laptop
The laptop is connected to a docking station which has 3 USB ports. They connect to

An external USB hard drive
An external USB CD/DVD drive
An external USB hub (with its own AC adapter). The hub connects to

A USB printer
A USB SanDisk U3 Flash Drive
A USB antennae for wireless mouse and keyboard
A USB Audio device


Click thumbnails for full images
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2693/mydevmgr.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2693/mydevmgr.jpg) http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/294/hubproperties.th.jpg (http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/294/hubproperties.jpg)

Thank you for the detailed responce .
I ran the program at the end of your responce.
It seemed to find and release 29 USB dependencies if that's the right phrase.
Then i restarted the PC and just as it said, it did take longer to load up.
i did as you said and got a report. This is the one from before i ran the program , bare in mind at the time of both all USB devices were unplugged.

Report 1 before the USB removal program
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&80 The drivers for this device are not installed.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&81 This device is not configured correctly.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&82 This device is not configured correctly.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&83 This device is not configured correctly.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3104&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_86\3&2411E6FE&0&84 This device is not configured correctly.

Report 2 After the PC reset and loading problems continued

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&80 The drivers for this device are not installed.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&81 The drivers for this device are not installed.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&82 The drivers for this device are not installed.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&83 This device is not configured correctly.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3104&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_86\3&2411E6FE&0&84 This device is not configured correctly.

Report 3, Printout from device manager

******************** SYSTEM DEVICE CLASS ********************
*DISABLED DEVICE* Class: Other devices Device: Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller No resources used. Device Drivers:
*DISABLED DEVICE* Class: Other devices Device: Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller No resources used. Device Drivers:
*DISABLED DEVICE* Class: Other devices Device: Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller No resources used. Device Drivers:
*DISABLED DEVICE* Class: Other devices Device: Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller No resources used. Device Drivers:
*DISABLED DEVICE* Class: Other devices Device: Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller No resources used. Device Drivers:
Class: Other devices Device: Unknown device No resources used. Device Drivers:


Hope this info helps.

Thanks

Carl

My first knee-jerk reaction is you need to reinstall your motherboard chipset drivers as the errors are occuring on your PCI\ based controller devices and NOT devices beginning as USB\

You should download your chipset drivers, uninstall USB stuff, THEN install then chipset drivers followed by reinstalling usb See this post

/* EDIT */
AND: device manager says they're DISABLED????? rt click each and ENABLE each one first

Once again Thank you.

Before i read how to reinstall my Motherboad drivers, this is what it it says in the details on the Device manager.

Device instance Id
PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3038&SUBSYS_E0281631&REV_A0\3&2411E6FE&0&80

And also every device is enabled despite the report.

Thanks

OK.

Could be DevMgr simply lists them as disabled because none of their drivers exist (as shown in your other reports)

These PCI\ devices are typically included in your motherboard chipset drivers (you should be able to find looking at your system vendor website Click for the driver page listed by System Vendor (http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic117607.html) Find your System Vendor, click for their driver support site. Enter your model number, then download your drivers as needed

Hope that chipset install helps!

Oh and also 4 of my USB ports are built into the Motherboard and the fron two which lead to an 8 pined section on my motherboard are disconnected anyway.

When it tells me to disconnect the ports how do i do that?

Thanks

Packard bell isn't on the list of manufacturers

Try here for Packard Bell support (http://www.packardbell.com/support.htm)

You need to make sure all external usb devices are disconnected first. Which means
=> No external hubs
=> No externals devices connected to your USB ports

And disconnect any port replicators / docking stations (if you use one). Otherwise, you're good-to-go (i.e. no need to try disconnecting any of your ports from the stuff internal/INSIDE of your computer

Ok i have done everything now
i have downloaded the Imedia bios which evdently is called a Cuba motherboard
and i have downloaded another set of drivers for the machine and still it cant find them.
But before that i unplugged all but the Monitor and used the ps2 keyboard and mouse. and moved the jumper and help power off for 15 secs as orderd. Obviously nothing will retreive it back.
If i was to re-install windows XP home would there be anyt guarentee it will work or is that pot luck?

Thanks

i have downloaded the Imedia bios which evdently is called a Cuba motherboard
Exactly what is your computer's make/model so we might have a look at its specs and the downloads from the vendor's site available as well?
moved the jumper and help power off for 15 secs as orderd.
What jumper are you talking about? Have you ever changed (or this time changed) the jumper setting which controls USB power???

/* EDIT */
Still answer question about the jumper... but as for providing more info... better yet, try this!
Install System Information Viewer (http://rh-software.com/)
(Note in each of its display windows there's a always Copy button at the bottom of the window)
Open SIV. Click to copy SIV's opening window to your next post
Then click the button to open each of System, Machine and USB Bus windows and copy/paste each of them as well

Thanks I's a Packard bell Imedia 1569
Ihope the images come through ok

I suspect there awful, not sure why all my pics turn out this way.

If you need me to re send them i wil

oh.

Actually, I meant you just needed to (for each window)
=> Click the Copy button at the bottom of the Window
=> Then you can simply Paste the text into a post (or better yet just paste/append in to a single .txt (e.g. Notepad) file. Then attach the file to your next post)

I got some basic info from the pics (but if more info should be needed / you want to show from there please use the SIV copy button so you can simply copy/paste each window as text)


I'll rely on you to first carefully confirm that this is the right link (http://support.packardbell.com/uk/item/?pn=PB34331901&g=2000) for your computer's download support page
BIOS

I see from the SIV (still somewhat readable ;) ) images you are running with a BIOS dated 08/07/06? Tho i can't make out the version number
I see from the download/support the latest BIOS update for the Cuba board is 03/14/07?
But let's not mess with the BIOS just yet

Chipset drivers

It shows latest chipset drivers as VIA Hyperion Chipset Drivers 02/14/07. Are these what you installed before?

And what jumper were you refering to in your prior post?

/* Edit */
Post removed by author