There aren't any separate drivers. You are right in saying that USB support is built in to WinXP.

 

Did you install the chipset drivers before all the other drivers?

 

If so, have you tried uninstalling the USB root hub in Device Manager and rebooting?  XP should redetect it and enable it.

Yes I tried that but it still gives me a yellow mark in the device manager on this item.  Any other ideas?

 

Just to confirm, you did do the chipset drivers first, OK?

 

I'd suggest running the diagnostics to check out the hardware.

You need to install the Notebook System Software with the chipset drivers first before all other drivers. Look under System and configuration utilities on the download page.

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R96945&SystemID=INS_PNT_P4_5100&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=3601&devlib=0&typecnt=1&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&libid=7&fileid=125723

What do you mean Look under System and configuration utilities on the download page.

I have checked and all hardware checks out OK.  I have removed all USB devices from device manager and restarted but still having the same problem.  I also downloaded the newest chip set from Dell WEB site and install it.

 

I downloaded this file and it tell me that this system does not support this operating system.  I am using the Dell CD that came with this system.

Once you install any newer USB driver it will reinstall even when you remove the controller from device manager and reboot. Try selecting the controller and properties. Then update the driver. When asked to search fro the best driver select no and install the driver directly off the XP installation CD. Have that CD in your drive. You also could try rolling back the installed driver and use another one. If you knew the original XP driver you can find it as a compatible driver when you select that option. I have an older Dell laptop with XP-Pro and my driver is the Intel (R)82801BA/BAM USB Universal Host Controller-2442

Maybe yours is the same but my Inspiron is the 8100 some might not be.

Thanks for the information.  I have tried mast of what you list.  I have not tried pulling the drive from the Windows CD.  It would help if Dell would supply a USB drive for this computer.  It is a Inspiron 5100.