Computer wont recognise USB memory stick

[Chrisss........]

I've just carried out a Windows XP system repair followed by the
installation of SP1.
But when I plug in a memory stick, no external drive ('E' drive, in my case)
is recognised.
I then installed SP2, but still the same.
Can anyone tell me how to resolve this.
Many thanks, Chris

 

[Magnum Unit]

I've just carried out a Windows XP system repair followed by the
installation of SP1.
But when I plug in a memory stick, no external drive ('E' drive, in my
case) is recognised.
I then installed SP2, but still the same.
Can anyone tell me how to resolve this.
Many thanks, Chris

Some systems, it's in the BIOS, don't have the flexibiltiy to recognize
USB 2.0; some you can flash the BIOS with an update that resolves this;
the USB 2.0 systems are usually backwards compatible to USB 1.1, but not
the other way around. So, if your memory stick has only "USB 2.0 High
Speed", or the like, and your Motherboard's BIOS is only USB 1.1, you
may have to flash the BIOS to Plug and Play USB 2.0 devices.

Now, WinXP has USB drivers on board, and also has excellent P'n'P, plug
and play capabilities, so the problem is likely in your USB memory
stick, or in your system's [BIOS] ability to recognize USB 2.0 -- not
with Windows XP; however, you may have earlier used one of those 'defeat
windows p&p' executables for some ephemerial safety reason? If so, those
are easily reversible, like GRC's: just clap-on; clap-off.

If you have other USB periphrials laying around, or have access to them
via family and/or friends you may could further isolate the issue by
simply [for example] plugging in a USB 1.1 webcam and see if Windows XP
launches her device recognition dialog... then a USB 2.0 device of some
sort, etc.

You can Google for your motherboard's manufacturer and model to see if
there is a USB 2.0 upgrade firmware available.

For instance, I have an "older" Intel MoBo, which is now out of
production (2003 model) which cannot be upgraded to recognize USB 2.0 -
only USB 1.1 [total bummer, but nothing to be done but work with it or
replace it] -- so I had to use firewire PCI cards to use my external
hard drives.

There *are* USB memory sticks available that are compatible with both
USB 1.1 and 2.0 - and there are also those usually much less-expenisive
that are only compatible with USB 2.0, etc.

Maybe, with a little luck, you just have a loose wire on your USB port.

Suggest you investigate these particulars, and possibly report the
system information from your USB memory stick and your motherboard for
some more meaningful assistance if this information does not help.

Best regards.

 

[Chrisss........]

Hi Magnum,

Thanks for the lengthy reply, but I've tried several USB devices, and all
four USB ports. None of which are recognised by Windows. It has to be
something to do with the XP repair.
I wonder if I can I solve it easily?

Chris

 

[Steve N.]

Hi Magnum,

Thanks for the lengthy reply, but I've tried several USB devices, and all
four USB ports. None of which are recognised by Windows. It has to be
something to do with the XP repair.
I wonder if I can I solve it easily?

Chris

Update or re-install the motherboard chipset drivers.

Do not update the BIOS unless the BIOS update specifically addresses
this problem.

Steve

 

[Plato]

Do not update the BIOS unless the BIOS update specifically addresses
this problem.

That's good advice. As you know bios's are updated by the motherboard
makers for many different reasons and if you read a bit you'll find that
many updates may even include
fixes for problems that may not even be applicable to your situation.
Best to read first before taking the risk.

 

[Frank]

I've just carried out a Windows XP system repair followed by the
installation of SP1.
But when I plug in a memory stick, no external drive ('E' drive, in my
case) is recognised.
I then installed SP2, but still the same.
Can anyone tell me how to resolve this.
Many thanks, Chris

All updates must be reinstalled. intel, via, sis, nvidea all have chipset
drivers
that must be installed for the motherboard to function properly.