Lexar JumpDrive does not work in front USB ports of my Dell computer

My Lexar 512 MB USB 2.0 JumpDrive (purchased on 5/2/2005) does NOT work on the front USB ports of my Dell 2400 computer (purchased on 8/14/2004). The metal plug of the JumpDrive is 1/8 inch shorter than the plug on a standard USB cable. A standard USB cable DOES work properly in the front USB ports. My Dell computer has a plastic flange on the front (but not on the back) which prevents the JumpDrive from seating properly. (The rear ports DO work properly with the JumpDrive, but are obviously inconvenient.) Here is the instant conversation with Lexar Customer Support about this issue on 5/3/2005.
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Lexar Customer Support: Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
You have been connected to Jane Brown.
Jane Brown: Thank you for contacting Lexar. I will be assisting you today! How may I help you?
MY QUESTION: I just bought a Lexar Jump Drive and it does not work on the front USB ports of my Dell computer. Apparently the front flange is 1/8 inch shorter than normal. Are you aware of this?
Jane Brown: please follow the steps given below
Due to the various sizes of USB ports on laptops and notebooks. You may encounter difficulty in connecting your JumpDrive. In order to resolve, connect your JumpDrive to either a USB Hub or a USB Extension Cable
This will usually provide a better connection between the JumpDrive and your laptop or notebook.

This is just for information for anybody else who has the same problem.

 

Actually, I would ALSO like to know if anybody has a flashdrive that you know for sure works in the front USB ports of Dell 2400 computers. If there is a flashdrive that works, then I will exchange the one I've got for it.

Thanks for any response.

 

Roger at CCCC - I jump in here because I just bought a 128MB Lexar Jump Drive and am having some trouble but have info for you first. The Lexar tech assumed your computer was a laptop but it isn't, is it? I was just at a friends house yesterday with my Lexar Secure and plugged it into the front USB port of friends new (about 2 weeks) Dell 3200 or 4000 (I can't remember the model #) and it worked perfectly. XP recognized it and it worked as advertised altho I'm new at using these things. My problem I will take to another thread. I know this doesn't help you but at least it's info you can use.

 

Roger at CCCC--I have a couple of MicroAdvantage Flash Drives (QuickiDrives) that work OK in the front USB ports of a Dell Dimension 4600. Of course I had to install the appropriate drivers first, and I think I even got updated drivers from the MicroAdvantage site.
I bought them at Office Max.

 

Thanks for your comments. I ended up buying a $7 USB Plug Extender at Radio Shack and that enables the USB drive to work in the Dell's front USB ports. I mentioned the model numbers of both my Dell and the Lexar because I would expect that other models of either one might work. Anyway, thanks for your responses.