Open Device Manager, expand the list for USB and see if there's an "!" next to any item. Also check that there's an "enhanced controller" listed under USB. If there's an ! or no "enhanced", disconnect all USB devices, then right click each item listed in Device Manager under USB, one at a time, select uninstall and remove all of them. Reboot and let XP reinstall the ports. Now see if the printer will install.

If that doesn't work, run a system file check:
click start>run
type in: sfc /scannow
(put a space between sfc and /)
click ok

sfc will check all system files and replace any that are corrupted or missing. It may ask you to insert your XP CD into the drive.

Ron

Thanks for the quick reply :: Gary

Man you are making me hungry Sir Gary, I want some of that Cajun Jambalaya.  mmm,mmm,mmm.

Stop it, you killin me!!!

Sir Gary
Can I assume all this talk about NO and food means my suggestions fixed your USB problem? Or have you forgotten about that?

And if they did, you better be sending me some Cajun Jambalaya right away, like today! :)

Ron

TsMom,
This thread is so old, the only people who'll see are those who posted a response here. So if my suggestion doesn't help, you should start a new thread of your own to get more attention.

Did you install the software for the new printer before you connected it to the PC? If you didn't then it's likely XP installed the wrong drivers and that's not going to work. In this case, do a System Restore to latest date available before your very first attempt to install this new printer. Personal files will be ok but you will have to reinstall any MS updates originally installed after the date used for the restore.

Click start>help&support
Click "Undo changes..."
Follow prompts and pick a date before you first attempted to install the USB printer.

When that's done, reinstall any missing XP updates. Then install the software for the printer and connect printer to PC only when the software tells you to do it.

Ron