USB device not detected

[Jimt]

I have an external hard drive with a USB connection. If I plug it into my
computer directly, it doesn't detect it. If I plug it into a USB hub and
the hub into my computer, my computer detects it. Anyone know why it's
working this way? I have all the Windows updates installed and have tried
plugging it into another W2K box with the same results. Thanks, Jimt

 

[Enkidu]

I have an external hard drive with a USB connection. If I plug it into my
computer directly, it doesn't detect it. If I plug it into a USB hub and
the hub into my computer, my computer detects it. Anyone know why it's
working this way? I have all the Windows updates installed and have tried
plugging it into another W2K box with the same results. Thanks, Jimt

It's because of current drain. The external hard drive just sucks too
much power for your computer. When you use a powered hub the hub
supplies the power to the external drive and reduces the drain on the
USB port. Some USB external drive cases have a connect which can be
plugged into the PS2 port to increase the current available.

Cheers,

Cliff

 

[Jimt]

Cliff

Thanks for the reply,

Jim

It's because of current drain. The external hard drive just sucks too
much power for your computer. When you use a powered hub the hub
supplies the power to the external drive and reduces the drain on the
USB port. Some USB external drive cases have a connect which can be
plugged into the PS2 port to increase the current available.

Cheers,

Cliff

 

[Ken K]

It's because of current drain. The external hard drive just sucks too
much power for your computer. When you use a powered hub the hub
supplies the power to the external drive and reduces the drain on the
USB port. Some USB external drive cases have a connect which can be
plugged into the PS2 port to increase the current available.

Cheers,

Cliff

Very interesting. I have an Iomega 120GB hdd that I had wanted to use
for backup. It worked for a month or so and then not. I went through
all of the machinations that Iomega suggested but to no avail. The
drive works on my wife's computer but not on mine. I will invest in a
hub, as I am very interested to see if that is the issue. Do you have
any recommendations for USB hubs?

Thanks
Ken K

 

[Enkidu]

Very interesting. I have an Iomega 120GB hdd that I had wanted to use
for backup. It worked for a month or so and then not. I went through
all of the machinations that Iomega suggested but to no avail. The
drive works on my wife's computer but not on mine. I will invest in a
hub, as I am very interested to see if that is the issue. Do you have
any recommendations for USB hubs?

I just use an el-cheapo USB hub from a chain of electronic stores, and
it works fine! I hope it solves your problem.

Cheers,

Cliff