external dvd drive keeps "disappearing" from My Computer

[Guest]

An external dvd r/w drive keeps disappearing (i.e. it doesn't play a dvd when
I put one in, it is not visible as a device in My Computer, and it doesn't
show up under Device Manager). I can get it to reappear, however, by
unplugging the dvd drive power cord then plugging it back in. It will then
appear and work OK for a while, but eventually disappears again (next day or
so), and I have to unplug/replug once again. Can anyone help??
Thanx

 

[R. McCarty]

Using DiskMgmt.Msc assign it a mid-alphabet letter (M,N,..). Also
USB external devices can consume a large portion of the available
500 mA of current a USB Root Hub can provide. It's possible you're
experiencing an overlimit and the device is being disconnected. You
can check both Power consumption and Bandwidth use in Device
Manager. Open each instance of the following:
1.) Root Hub, Power (TAB) displays total power usage
2.) Host Controller, Advanced (TAB) shows bandwidth use.

 

[Guest]

I do notice that when the drive does appear, it is assigned the letter I.
Also, I do have the drive connected to a 7 port USB hub. In light of this, do
you still recommend doing what you say below? How will this help?
Thanx again

 

[R. McCarty]

Is the extension hub powered or un-powered ( Has it's own 5Volt
AC/DC supply ) and is the Hub USB2.0 or full speed ?

I wouldn't use a primary peripheral from an extension hub. If the
USB drive is USB1(.1) then which socket you use does matter. If it
is USB2.0 it will route itself to the single Enhanced Controller.

Using the previous checks would help you know how loaded your
hubs and controllers are.

Some USB peripherals just exhibit that behavior (Drop outs) and
I've never seen/found a universal solution to fix them.

 

[Guest]

The hub is usb2.0, and I believe it IS powered; not in front of it right now
unfortunately. I will take your advice of not connecting a primary peripheral
to the hub then. Thanks. I'll just need to get a longer usb cable now to
reach the back of my tower.
Thanks a lot