USB constantly quits

B

BlackAngusYoung

New Member
Things plugged into any of my computer's USB ports seem to disconnect on their own and then connect again only a second later. It happens with my external disc writer and my external hard drive, whether they are just turned on or actually being used. (Both of these units work very well on other computers.) It happens with all front and back ports as well as with powered and non-powered USB hubs.

Can anyone tell me what could be wrong or what to check for? I have a program called PC Wizard 2008 which might provide some helpful information. I wonder if it could have something to do with maximum packet size or something else I don't understand. Or if I might just need more RAM.
 
adarsh said:
Hi, is this a laptop? If so, then your laptop may be turning it off to save power.
Click to expand...

No, it's not a laptop. It's a Dell desktop. Aside from the problem I already described, it will also sometimes say that my USB port is not high-speed when at most times the same ports are.
 
adarsh said:
Hi, ok, is this system running on Windows XP?
Click to expand...


Yes, it's XP Home. I've tried re-installing/updating drivers and chipsets (and Windows, though not really to fix this but it didn't work before and still doesn't.) I've also disabled and re-enabled the ports, trying it with just one enabled.

Someone in another forum suggested it could be some sort of oxidization built up where the port connects to the motherboard. He said his pulled off and then worked once plugged in with a clean connection. That sounds possible because it really does seem like it's just losing connection, being unplugged and plugged right back in again over and over.

If you have any really obvious suggestions I can try, I'd really appreciate it. But don't worry much because I think I'm just going to have to take it in.

If the ports need to be replaced, do you know if there's a way to somehow wire in an external (or internal rigged up externally) USB card of some sort? I ask because my computer is a weird-looking little Dell that was left over from a relative's failed business and I'm worried that the replacement part would be hard to find and expensive compared to common USB cards for slotted towers. There wouldn't be a USB hub that could plug into my COM or printer port, eh?

Thanks for your help.
 
I actually think that there may be USB conflicts.
I'm not sure how to resolve them, but here's a thread which may be useful to you.
 
adarsh said:
I actually think that there may be USB conflicts.
I'm not sure how to resolve them, but here's a thread which may be useful to you.
Click to expand...

Useful to fix the USB problem or just so I can ask about it in prettier lettering? :P You sure that's the right URL for the thread? Clicking it takes me to Fontstock.net
 
I just took it in the Athens Computers. The lady showed me how to tell the motherboard is gone by the blown capacitors. So I'm just going to get a new computer, which is quite fine by me. A $400 laptop is much better than this or any other computer I've ever had, anyways!

Thanks for trying to help me. I now have a question about how to get the most I can out of this computer even with a blown board, but I'll post it separately.
 
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