Memory Key not recognized by Front USB Port

Question

I just bought a LexarMedia 128MB JumpDrive.     When I plug it into any of the two Front USB ports on my Dimension 4600, the computer does not recognize the drive at all.  It works fine when plugged into any of the rear ports.   Any ideas??

cyberdelic · Answer

It could be that the front USB ports aren't plugged up inside the computer

MIKEW13 · Answer

Have the same problem with my Dimension 4600.  The flash drive is recognized by the USB ports on the back of the computer, but not the front ones.  I took the side panel off the computer, but could not really see if there were any cables coming from the front ports that need to be connected somewhere. Will try again tomorrow. Why would Dell put two front ports on the computer but then NOT hook them up ??

MIKEW13 · Answer

Have check the cables. There are two cables that come from the front USB ports. Each cable has about 6 small wires in it. Both cables ARE connected to the motherboard. Someone on another forum suggested that maybe the BIOS is not recognizing them. How do I fix that ??

MIKEW13 · Answer

Just ran that Dell diagnostic test (Express) it found no problems. But it listed USB0,  USB1, USB2, and USB3.  I guess they are the four USB ports on the back of the computer. No mention of any other USB ports ????? Anyone out there that can help--Dell Moderators ???

DELL-Chris M · Answer

To all, Do any other hardware items (printer, scanner, joystick) work in the front USB ports?

tomcolligan49 · Answer

That is a great idea- I will check to see if the printer works on the front port.  If not, then I will open it up to see if it is connected properly.  If both of these ideas fail, I think I am due a service call.

MIKEW13 · Answer

I just hooked up my digital camera to the front USB port, and it does work. I guess I should have tried another device before. But I guess the next question is---why is the flash device (Lexar 128 meg) recognized in the rear USB ports, but not the front USB port ??

tomcolligan49 · Answer

MikeW13- I have the same problem- when I hooked up my printer to the  front USB ports, the computer recognized my printer, so the front ports work fine, but not when the JumpDrive is plugged in, that is only recognzied on the rear ports.  I am going to call up Tech support at Lexar to ask them- I guess the problem may be with the JumpDrive, or perhaps the voltage at the front ports is slightly different that the rear, and the JumpDrive needs a certain voltage??

katbert · Answer

I have the same problem with my NEW dimension and a Lexar jumpdrive 256 (which I bought from Dell as a matter of fact) that has fit in every other computer i've ever tried.  Dell wouldn't help me out with the problem  . . . so I contacted Lexar (they have a nice on-line live chat with their techs).  They are aware of the problem and are going to trade my jumpdrive for a new one that they say will fit the Dimension.  I'd suggest you contact them.  (lexar.com)  Dell customer service was not the least bit helpful on this one.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

To all,

Was the LexarMedia 128MB JumpDrive purchased from Dell? Go into the bios (Reboot, press F2)- Integrated Devices. Make sure the USB Controller is Enabled.

Message Edited by DELL-ChrisM on 08-25-2004 03:25 PM

MIKEW13 · Answer

Chris--went into Bios as you suggested. The USB controller WAS on.

Katbert--what do you mean your jump drive did not "FIT". Do you mean it physically will not go in the slot ? My jump drive does fit in the USB port just as it does in the rear ports. The drive is just NOT recognized like it is in the rear ports.

katbert · Answer

MikeW13.

It fits in the port, but the metal tab isn't long enough to make good contact. It makes contact IF i physically push it in and keep it pushed in with hand or foot power. Then the computer recognizes it. However, once I let go it just pops out, and is no longer recognized by the machine.

MIKEW13 · Answer

Katbert---good point.  I noticed that the actual slots are recessed about a sixteenth of an inch. Maybe my flash drive is not going in far enough to be recognized also. I was going to file down the plastic edges of the flash drive to see if it would go in further, but I have since ordered a USB extension cable from E-Bay for about $6.00   If that works maybe I will just sand down the plastic edges of the flash drive, that way the drive will work in the front and I won't need the extension cable.  Will let you know .   Mike

tomcolligan49 · Answer

Hi All, here's where I am at, I also had an online chat with LEXAR tech support, and they said it was likely due to an USB 'Addressing Problem',  as the front USB ports are not directly plugged into the bus.   They gave me the name of the tech rep in Calfornia if I wanted more info.  This addressing problem appears to be a Dell issue, but I don't feel like taking up with them.   They did recommend the easy solution, that is, get a USB extension cable and forget about the front USB ports.  I guess this will work, I still am not quite satisified with this, DELL TAKE NOTE!!.

MIKEW13 · Answer

Hi Guys, problem solved. I ordered a USB extension cable so I could plug it in the back of the computer, and then just plug the jump drive into the extension cable when needed. Well----when I got the extension cable I noticed that the tab was longer than the one of the flash drive. So just for the heck of it, I plugged the extension cable into the Front USB port, and then plugged the jump drive into the other end of the cable. Guess what--the jump drive was then recognized and works properly now. So, I am considering just cutting away a little of the plastic on the jump drive so the matal tab is longer, goes in further, and makes contact. The irony of this whole mess is that I also posted the problem to Dell directly, since this computer is only about 4 months old and still under warranty.

This was their reply : What a crock !!!!!!!

> Mr. Wargo, I would like to inform you that the Lexar USB jumpdrive does
> not works in the front port because there is not enough power in the
> front ports of computers for USB flash drives to work, this is the
> reason it requires itself to be plugged into the back USB ports that are
> much more powerful then the front ones.
>
> ****** For more information you can refer the below forum that talks
> about this issue :-
>
> http://www.everythingusb.com/forums/showthread.php?s=3acd25318acc4a77609c008f37b505ec&threadid=4416
>
> Some email programs will wrap this address to a second line so you will
> have to copy each of the lines directly into the address bar of your
> browser with no spaces between the two sections.
>
> Thank you again for choosing Dell.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Vance Khattri DTC36031
> Dell Online Technical Support
> http://premiersupport.dell.com
>
>

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Memory Key not recognized by Front USB Port

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