USB 2.0 Port Device Driver Problem for Windows XP SP2 user

[Guest]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1000 with Windows XP SP 2. I also have USB 2.0. Ports.
When recently trying to install a printer onto the laptop and experiencing
problems doing so, I was advised to de-install the USB device Controllers and
reboot the computer and that the drivers would automatically be reinstalled.
My problem is this. They did not automatically reinstall and likewise have
not done so since. I have received the New Hardware wizard each time.
I have a devices and utilities CD which came with the computer when I
purchased it, but it does not seem to have the USB 2.0 port device driver on
it. So currently, I cannot use the USB ports at all. Looking through Device
Manager, I can see the USB ports shown with yellow question marks under the
other devices category.
I have checked both Microsoft update and the downloads page on Windows, plus
the drivers download for my model on Dell, this forum and other websites on
the internet generally, for information. But I have found nothing that seems
specific for my system version and my problem.
Plus I tried to rollback the driver via Device Manager, but one does not
previously exist.
The nearest I got finding a USB driver was for a person with a similar
problem, but they had SP1. The windows update was 822603 and was for SP1
only. So when I tried to install it, my system would not accept it.
I am considering a repair installation of XP as recommended by a friend, but
I am rather wary of doing this.
if anyone can suggest a much quicker easier resolution, I would be grateful.
Many thanks.

 

[sankarj12]

This is just a wild guess. It might be able to work theoretically, but
let's try anyways.

1. Insert your Windows XP CD. What we are going to do is get the
drivers off of the CD.

2. Open Device Manager. (Control Panel --> System --> Hardware Tab -->
Device Manager)

3. You will see an exclamation mark or an X. Double click the "USB
Controller" device.

4. If there is an error you can click the button and continue. If not,
then click on the Driver tab and either "Install Drivers" or "Update
Drivers"

5. Choose second option (Install from a list or specific location), and
check both boxes for the first radio button. For the second check box,
click on Browse and go to your CD-ROM drive. Go through and install
the drivers.

Again, I don't know if this will work or not, or if the drivers are
even on the Windows XP CD. But, you can at least give it a try.

 

[GTS]

Try installing them again, but tell the New Hardware wizard not to search
for the driver. Manually point to
\windows\system32\inf.
If that resolves it, see
http://www.uwe-sieber.de/usbtrouble_e.html#xp_asks_for_drivers for a more
permanent solution.