iPod not recognized when USB 2.0 enabled

Question

First off, my PC is a Dell Dimension 2400 (purchased in 2004) running Windows XP Home Edition, Version 2002, SP2. I've had a recurring problem with Windows not recognizing my iPod mini when I plug it in (i.e., standard "USB device not recognized" pop-up balloon) over the past year or so. Thinking it was a problem with the iPod, I bought myself a Creative ZEN mp3 player for Christmas, only to have the same problem after the first few times plugging it in. (I returned the ZEN b/c I couldn't stand the interface and software compared to iPod/iTunes, but that's neither here nor there). What's weird is that it's worked fine before, and occasionally still does, but most of the time I just get the above-mentioned "USB device not recognized" message. I've been researching this online for the past few days and came across an old 2004 post from a forum I can't recall the name of, but it describes my current situation perfectly so I'm just going to quote it directly:

"Every time I plug [my iPod] in, Windows' new hardware found device just pops up a balloon saying that the USB device is not recognized. iTunes doesn't recognize that iPod has been connected to the computer, and I don't see it as a hard drive under My Computer....Under Device Manager/Universal Serial Bus controllers, I have nine entries: Intel(R) 82801DB/DBM USB 2 Enhanced Host Controller - 24CD,three Intel(r) 82801DB/DBM USB Universal Host Controller, suffixed 24C2, 24C4, and 24C7, respectively, and four USB Root Hub devices. I tried uninstalling them and rebooting on the hopes that when Windows reinstalled them after I rebooted, the problem would go away, but no such luck. I did find, however, when I disabled the first entry, the USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller device, my computer was suddenly able to detect the iPod for what it was. But without that 2.0 controller, it could only connect at 1.1 speeds (and the little popup balloon showed up again to tell me that I was just connecting at 1.1). And then, after renabling the USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller, all the devices got reinstalled and the iPod again could not connect. Something seems to be wrong with that USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller, but I tried to update the driver and Windows said it couldn't find anything new or better. Does anyone know what I can do to fix this problem?"

So that's the gist...I currently am able to connect my iPod, but only by disabling the USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller. It doesn't bother me that much to have to do so, but what is bothersome/annoying is that this appears to be a common problem and there must be some kind of fix out there that Microsoft or other folks have used. I tried installing a hotfix referenced in Microsoft Article 892050 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892050/) but it didn't solve the problem. I also went to the Intel website, found available updates/drivers for my chipset (Intel 845G family), and installed Chipset Installation Utility 6.3.0.1007 (dated 12/16/04). Again, this installation did nothing to fix my problem.

I'm completely at a loss and am tired of spending my holiday weekend working on this. Right now I'm resigned to simply working with the USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller disabled, but thought I would check here as a last resort. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Matt

RoHe · Answer

Start by reading this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925196

The 2400 has USB 2.0 ports so they should be able to handle the iPod.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/specs.htm

Have you tried disconnecting all other USB devices except mouse, keyboard before you connect the iPod? Do you need an externally powered hub to provide sufficient power for all your USB devices?

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 01-01-2008 07:02 PM

Paradiddle74 · Answer

I was able to find and delete the UpperFilters registry value as described in the Microsoft article, but it wasn't located where the article said it was. Rather, it was located in the location given for the LowerFilters registry (which I was unable to find). Regardless, after fiddling with the registry I was still getting the 'USB device not recognized' message. Lo and behold, after disconnecting my printer and @Wire wireless network adapter (which I use to connect to our home's DSL connection) from their respective USB ports, the computer was suddenly able to recognize the iPod. I plugged both the wireless adapter and printer back in, and it was still being recognized. However, after unplugging the iPod then plugging it back in, I once again received the 'not recognized' message. Next, I turned off the printer's power, plugged the iPod back in, and voila, it was recognized. So yeah, I'm guessing it's a power issue. Does a printer and wireless network adapter use up that much power from a USB hub? I'm a little surprised since there are 6 available USB ports, but apparently I can't use my three devices at the same time. We'll see if the 'printer off, iPod in' solution works consistently in the near future, but it makes sense, given the sporadic nature of my iPod being recognized by Windows (unfortunately I wasn't paying attention to the printer power throughout this whole ordeal...sometimes it's on, sometimes it's off). Anyway, thanks for the recommendation. I'm still not sure my problem is fixed for the long term, but it's good to have at least isolated my problem a bit further.

GioAguilar · Answer

Have you tried installing a new chipset driver...???

RoHe · Answer

The limit of current available on each USB port (not just on Dell's) is 500 mA. Printers are very power hungry and draw lots of power. Devices like printers should be connected to rear USB ports on the PC. If USB devices are trying to draw too much power, USB typically ignores some of them.

Your solution is probably to buy an externally powered USB hub. Plug it into the rear of the tower and connect the printer to the hub.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 01-02-2008 09:12 AM

ah1f · Answer

Have you installed the iPod software on your system? Xp may not recognize it as XP is older than iPOD/ mp3 player technology. I have RCA and Sony mp3 players XP doesn't find them without the discs loaded, VISTA will.

Windows General

iPod not recognized when USB 2.0 enabled

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