This is the fourth USB drive i've tried using on my PC, and i'm getting the same results. When i plug it in, a baloon pops up:



I've tried installing SP2 and starting a bunch of services that looked remotely relevant, but still no results. Can anybody tell me what's going on here?

Damaged port?

Did you try using a different port? (like, just to test, the one your mouse/keyboard uses, unless you use PS/2)
Sometimes, you get a CD with drivers, although most of the time they're just for '98.
Do the USB sticks work when you use a Linux Live CD? (Knoppix, Ubuntu) If so, then you know for sure it's a software error.
It might also have to do something with USB1 and USB2 ports.

I'm assuming you have gotten different brands of drives each time you get a new one? If not, definitely try that.

The updating drivers thing is a good idea and you should try it in a different port. If that doesn't work, maybe your ports or too old?

I get this error sometimes when I'm using a hub for the thumb drive. In my case it's usually not enough power getting to the thumb drive for some reason. I usually use a different port or unplug the hub and use the port it's using.

I also used to get this error from a USB port on the front of my case. It turns out that the cables connecting the USB port to the motherboard weren't properly installed. I also had to reinstall the motherboard USB drivers to get the front ports to work.

quote Master of the VG

I also used to get this error from a USB port on the front of my case. It turns out that the cables connecting the USB port to the motherboard weren't properly installed.

Here's a diagram for the USB plugs in the motherboard. I believe that the cables that are separate from the others are the grounds.

Have you checked under My computer>devices like normally, they haven exclamation next to them, explaining what is exactly wrong.

I've:

Timber Wolf, I have read all the messages above and they are very good advice.
I just have once question - Can you try putting a different USB Device in to the port to check if the port is the problem or the USB Device you are using is the problem.

Please try it mate

Take it EAZY

Alex

He stated that he has tried three others in the first sentence of the thread.

WELL I must have missed that.
Thank you for pointing that out to me RpgActioN.

Do you have any ideas on what the problem may be?????

Take it EAZY

Alex

Now the question has moved to where can i find some new USB ports to replace these cheap ones? They just screw in to the front of the case... i'm sure i could cram in replacement ones.

you could try to harvest an $11 case or something...as fas as individual ports being sold, i have never heard of that. They'd probably cost around $11 anyways so i say buy a cheap ass case with front usb ports and rape it for parts.

Now i'm just baffled. I've tried this data stick on three more computers and still no result. I was under the impression that plugging a data stick into a USB port would initiate Windows to recognize and install drivers for it, making it usable and it would show up under My Computer. This doesn't seem to be the case for me, as absolutely nothing happens. At least on my PC i would get the "Device not recognized or is corrupt" message, but i get nothing on any other PC. Am i missing something here?