USB Port Issues

[Wayne 0]

I purchased an external HD today, and when I connect it to my USB port (either one of 2) I get the same problem I do with my Palm T|X. It connects/disconnects then connects/disconnects then connects/disconnects etc. I can tell the HD is doing the same thing because it clicks, then slient then clicks again, then silent then clicks again.

my iPod connects fine, so does my flash (thumb) drive and the device manager says all of the ports are fine. What could be going on here? Any suggestions how to fix it?

Thanks guys. I'm great with using computers, just cant do anything to fix them...

[Wayne 0]

Could it be that the external HD and the Palm don't get enough power from the laptop since neither have its own power source?

[Chadd 916]

Is the port USB 2.0? I run into issues with some of my newer toys because the port on my PC is the older USB standard.

[Wayne 0]

I believe so. Often I get a message saying "this device could perform faster". But how would I know if it is a USB 2.0. The computer is 5 years old if that helps.

[Chadd 916]

I believe so. Often I get a message saying "this device could perform faster". But how would I know if it is a USB 2.0. The computer is 5 years old if that helps.

That probably means it's an older USB port.

[chk hrd 164]

I believe so. Often I get a message saying "this device could perform faster". But how would I know if it is a USB 2.0. The computer is 5 years old if that helps.

That probably means it's an older USB port.

If it's 5 years old you are running a 1.5 port. You need to get an upgrade to a 2.0 port. I had to do this on one of my computers.

[Vapor 0]

You don't have to upgrade all usb 2.0 devices and ports are backwards compatible. There was no USB 1.5, 1.1 was the last offical standard before 2.0. 1.1 had the speeds of either 1.5 (low speed) or 12 megabits per second (full speed), so I am assuming that what you meant. USB 2.0 was released in 2000 so it is possible you have 2.0, but not likely.

It sounds like it could be a software/syncing problem. If you have other devices syncing it is likely not the port. As said before, it may not be getting enough power. USB shares power and bandwidth accross the entire bus so if you have your ipod and HD plugged in, you will be sharing your bandwidth. Try plugging them in separately.

[MLSman 22]

I would agree with the power assessment. USB is backward compatible, so you do not have to upgrade the port. Although the speed difference is highly noticeable (12Mbps to 440Mbps), it will still work. What most likely is throwing you off is the requirement for powering each device. USB ports do not provide an adequate amount of power to support most devices. Some devices will actually have two USB connectors just to supply enough power to the device if does not have an AC power supply. Your problem could be easily resolved by getting a universal power adapter if the device did not come with one. Just make sure that the universal is within range of the voltage and amperage requirements of your device.