USB Question

I have tried everything but still can't figure it out. My desktop PC USB ports don't want to recognize a WD external hard drive or my IPod. I thought maybe with unplugging and plugging a variety of devices maybe the plugs had worn out? So I went out and bought a 4 USB hub PC card and plugged it in to the mother board in an open slot. Ran the installation disc and figured I was ready to go. I plugged in the external hard drive expecting it to see it and nothing. Ran the "Add new Hardware" off of Control Panel and still haven't had the computer recognize it. As far as I know I have 2 working USB ports that I have 2 printers, a separate external hard drive, wireless mouse/keyboard combo as well as a universal Sims card reader plugged into a USB hub already plugged in. I have 2 more USB plugs in the back and front and none of those 4 recognize anything. Any ideas?

 

Have you checked the disk management (right click my computer, click manage, click the drop down box for Disk Management)? A lot of times what happens is these things try to use a drive letter that's already taken by something on your system. If thats the case, the device will show up in Disk Management, but wont have a drive letter assigned. To fix that, just click on your drive, click change drive letter, and pick one thats free.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have 2 internal hard drives (C and D) and an external hard drive already logged in and running. I don't think I need to change the letters of the internal drives but I did change the drive letter of the 1st external hard drive from G to I but my 2nd external hard drive still hasn't been recognized. The CD/DVD drives (2 of them) take up E and F. I can't change their letters as they are not in disk management. I never use one of the drives and may pull it out and see if that helps.

 

In the disk management portion, does the external show up at all? It may show up with the same drive letter as one already assigned.

 

Maybe you have exceeded the current draw for the USB ports? They are limited you know. Or the original ports are worn is why there is no connection. Check to see if the drive also needs an external AC adapter.