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Wespetal

4 Posts

13321

December 30th, 2006 15:00

Cannot access usb storage devices

I cannot seem to access any USB storage devices that I attach to my computer. I have a USB flash drive that I know works on other computers. When I attach it to any port on my computer, the device appears in the "My Computer" area. When I click on it in "My Computer", it thinks for a long time and then gives me a message asking if I want to format this drive. The drive doesn't need formatting and even if I try to format it, the format fails.

The USB port seems to work if I attach a keyboard or mouse to it. But it doesn't work for my iPod shuffle, digital camera or USB flash drive.

I have a Dimension E510 computer. When I first recieved the computer, the hard drive was bad, but the USB ports worked. I had to get a new hard drive from Dell, and I don't think I have ever got a USB storage device to work since I received the new hard drive.

I have tried installing all types of different drivers, but they don't seem to work. I don't think it is a driver problem, because the computer correctly identifies each device when I attach it.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Dan

europa303

4.4K Posts

December 30th, 2006 19:00

When you have a problem with a USB device you might try going to Device Manager and see if there is a yellow exclamation point next to the offending item, indicating there is usually a driver problem

Wespetal

4 Posts

December 31st, 2006 03:00

europa303, I have already tried looking in the device manager. the device manager says all the USB devices/ports are working fine. i am almost positive it isn't a drive problem.

mga2380

12 Posts

December 31st, 2006 07:00

Hello, .. Is all of the USB ports non functional? Have you already tried accesing it in safe mode?.Try this one out :  Remove the USB Root Hub in Device Manager and then allow the hub to redetect.

To force a USB root hub redetection, complete the following steps:

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Before Windows loads, press the key.
    Windows prompts for the mode to enter.
  3. Press the or keys to select Safe Mode from the menu.
  4. Press the key to continue.
  5. Click OK to any dialogs that may appear when entering Safe Mode. 
  6. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then select Control Panel.
  7. Double-click the System icon. The System Properties window appears.
  8. Perform the following depending on the operating system:
  9. Windows® 95, 98, and Me- click the Device Manager tab.
  10. Windows 2000 and XP- click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button located in the center of the page.

  11. Right-click the USB ROOT HUB icon and select Remove.
    A Confirm Device Removal window appears.
  12. Click OK.
  13. Physically disconnect any devices that are plugged into the USB ROOT HUB.
  14. Close the Device Manager window.
  15. Click Start and select Shut Down.
  16. Click Shut Down.
  17. Click OK.

If its not working in safe mode: Tried to clear the NVram by going to bios, , press F2 at dell logo then press ALT + F then hit Esc key and choose save and exit. I wish to say to a sys restore but you have replace the HD right? If all of the process still dont solve the issue and you still have the systems warranty , contact Dell tech support and let them replace the motherboard.

Message Edited by mga2380 on 12-31-200603:09 AM

Wespetal

4 Posts

January 1st, 2007 17:00

Logging in in safe mode and deleted the USB root hubs fixed the problem for me.

Thanks for the help.

Wespetal

4 Posts

January 6th, 2007 01:00

Well I thought I had fixed my problem, but it is back. Deleting the USB Root Hub's fixed the problem for 2 days, but on the third day the problem described above returned.

Does anyone have any additional suggestions?

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