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Only 1 USB port works at a time
Thread poster: Claudia Alvis
Claudia Alvis
Claudia Alvis  Identity Verified
Peru
Local time: 21:23
Member
Spanish
+ ...
May 11, 2005

Hello,

I'm having a problem with my USB ports. I have 2 USB ports, one for the mouse and the second one for another device, printer, scanner, etc.

I don't have any problem when the printer is connected; the problem is when I connect my mp3 players to the computer.

I'd never had any problems with it until a few days ago. When I plug the hard-drive mp3 player, the mouse light starts to blink until it turns off completely and then it turns on again. But eve... See more
Hello,

I'm having a problem with my USB ports. I have 2 USB ports, one for the mouse and the second one for another device, printer, scanner, etc.

I don't have any problem when the printer is connected; the problem is when I connect my mp3 players to the computer.

I'd never had any problems with it until a few days ago. When I plug the hard-drive mp3 player, the mouse light starts to blink until it turns off completely and then it turns on again. But eventually the computer reads the unit as a new driver (it's a drag-and-drop mp3 palyer). When I try to play songs or drag them from the computer, the mouse stops working until the songs stops or the transfer is complete.

I've a flash player as well the problem with the mouse is basically the same, except that the computer doesn't even read it as a new driver. In both cases sometimes a windows pops up, it says 'One of the devices is not working properly, click here for more information' or something like that and then the mouse dies, but it's kinda hard to click on something since the mouse is not working.

I've used both players in other computers and there's been no problems. The device manager doesn't register any problem either.

I use Windows XP in my computer and I'm afraid this may be a physical problem.

I would really appreciate any help.

Thank you,

Cali ▲ Collapse
 
tectranslate ITS GmbH
tectranslate ITS GmbH
Local time: 04:23
German
+ ...
Energy-related? May 12, 2005

The problem might be that both ports share one energy source (USB provides not only data connectivity, but also electricity to devices, when necessary). And the load of both devices at once might be too much.

Buying an active USB hub should remedy this problem (whereby "active" means it comes with its own power supply). They're not terribly expensive. Oh, but you should make sure you get a USB 2.0 hub, not a USB 1.1 (compatible, but much slower, which will be a pain with copying MP... See more
The problem might be that both ports share one energy source (USB provides not only data connectivity, but also electricity to devices, when necessary). And the load of both devices at once might be too much.

Buying an active USB hub should remedy this problem (whereby "active" means it comes with its own power supply). They're not terribly expensive. Oh, but you should make sure you get a USB 2.0 hub, not a USB 1.1 (compatible, but much slower, which will be a pain with copying MP3s.)

HTH,
Benjamin ▲ Collapse
 
Tsu Dho Nimh
Tsu Dho Nimh
Local time: 20:23
English
Swap ports May 13, 2005

The previous suggestion may help ... USB ports can only handle 500mA, and the player may pull more than that. Plug the player into an AC adapter so it has its own power and see what happens.
 
Claudia Alvis
Claudia Alvis  Identity Verified
Peru
Local time: 21:23
Member
Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
It worked Jun 9, 2005

Thanks to both of you, you were absolutely right.

Cheers
 


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