USB detected as an unknown device

[Guest]

I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop with 3 USB ports. When I connect a Brother
MFC-7220 to one of them, the MFC cannot print. If I connect it to either the
other two, it works fine. Under device manager one of the USB comes out as
Unknown device. What could be the problem?

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Some USB devices have a unique ID hard coded into them. Most do not. If
they do, connecting them to a second (other) USB port will force XP to
recognize it and transfer the drivers over. If they do not, it needs
reinstalling. Since most printers need the drivers installed BEFORE
connection, XP cannot recognize it as the same device, but thinks it is a
second instance of the printer (ie that you have two models the same).

Keep it connected to the first USB port that you initially installed it on..
or reinstall it each and every time.