USB port doesn't recognise memory stick - OK with other devices

[Dave L]

I cannot get my (newly built) PC running Win XP SP2 to recognise a
memory stick in any of the USB (2.0) ports - either on motherboard or
PC case. I've checked the following: Drive is NOT visible in control
panel - admin tools - computer management - storage - disk management;
usbstor.sys & usbstor.inf are both present; USB is enabled in BIOS. I
thought the first stick could be faulty - retailer replaced it & it
worked fine in my laptop, but was completely 'dead' in PC & then not
seen by laptop. 2 more sticks (different brand) are similarly 'dead'
as soon as they are connected to PC. Strangely, my digital camera &
external CD writer both work fine in USB ports on PC. I've now got a
fifth memory stick but don't want to risk it in PC. Could there be an
electrical problem with USB ports, but if so why are camera & CD writer
OK & how can I check the ports? Does anyone know of problems with USB
port trashing a memory stick as I think retailer might be getting
suspicious & won't give me any more replacements! Help!

 

[BigJim]

you may want to do a google search, I have heard of one going bad but not 4.

 

[Francois Grieu]

I cannot get my PC running Win XP SP2 to recognise a
memory stick in any of the USB (2.0) ports.

Memory sticks (as used mainly in Sony devices, e.g.
for storage of digital pictures) simply do not connect
to USB ports without some reader in between.
The contacts do not mate, and the electrical and
protocols are entirely different.

it (memory stick) worked fine in my laptop

Probably this is a laptop with Memory Stick (TM)
reader, Many Sony laptops have this. Or what the OP
calls memory stick is a USB Flash Disk.


Francois Grieu

 

[granjan]

If I were you I'd try unplugging some of your usb items and see if your
memory stick works. I had to unplug my printer for my mp3 player to be
recognized by my computer. Your problem sounds very similar to my
experience. If the memory stick works with some things unplugged you may
want to get a powered usb hub. That's what finally worked for me.
Janice

 

[Dave L]

Thanks - I've seen other comments like yours, but I don't have any
other USB devices connected.

 

[Dave L]

Thanks. What I've called a memory "stick" is in fact a USB Flash Drive
- sorry to mislead you.

 

[Pavel]

On some motherboards, you can change the voltage supplied to the USB. It
maybe in the form of "Low, Normal, High". If you have such a setting on your
motherboard, try different setting and see what happens.

 

[granjan]

How exactly do I do this?

On some motherboards, you can change the voltage supplied to the USB. It
maybe in the form of "Low, Normal, High". If you have such a setting on
your motherboard, try different setting and see what happens.

 

[FG]

And, if you have several USB ports, you should move your memory stick to
another port. It may work.

 

[Pavel]

Are you asking me how to enter the Bios or how the change the setting for
the USB in the Bios? Each mother board have different way to enter this
area. Usually hitting DEL during initial post will do it. On some
motherboards, it may be F10, F2 or some other key. Many motherboards display
on the initial screen what key you should press. Consult you manual.

Pavel

 

[Dave L]

Thanks, manufacturer (Gigabyte) have confirmed that USB voltage is
5.0volts on all their boards, so that's not it.