Card Reader Problem After Hard Drive Install

I have a Dell PC running Windows XP. I have been using a San Disk card reader which allows me to easily and quickly transfer digital photos from my camera to my computer. I have always connected it to a USB port on the side of my monitor, which I believe corresponds to drive H.

Recently, I added an external hard drive for backup purposes and connected it to a USB port on the back of the computer's hard drive (corresponding to drive F). Since connecting the external hard drive, the computer no longer recognizes the card reader (it does not appear as a drive in "My Computer ").

I tried disconnecting the external hard drive and using the monitor's USB port for the card reader, and also tried connecting the card reader to a USB port on the back of the computer's hard drive. Both of these experiments resulted in the recognition of the card reader.

I prefer not to leave the card reader connected to the back of the tower because it would then be always on, and I do not know if this would damage it or reduce its lifespan (the card reader is not used often, maybe once or twice a month). So my questions are as follows:

1. Can anyone explain the failure to recognize the card reader when the external hard drive is connected, and is there a solution?
2. If no answer or fix, are there any negative consequences to leaving the card reader in an "always on" state?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

docbombay

 

Thanks, Pete--yes, the external hard drive is connected to a USB port on the back of the tower, and the card reader has been connected to a separate USB port on the side of the monitor. The reader is not recognized when the external hard drive is also connected even though they are recognized as separate drives in 'My Computer' when connected separately. And the 'power on' indicator on the reader is on when it is connected to the misbehaving USB port on the side of the monitor, even though it is not recognized, so it seems to be receiving power.

I think your idea of an extension is the most practical solution--both devices seem to work perfectly well when connected to the tower simutaneously, I just was hesitant to leave the reader on all the time, not knowing if this would affect its performace or life span.

So I am still mystified as to why this occurs, but at least I have an easy workaround. Thank you for your help.

docbombay

 

Thanks again, Pete--your last suggestion didn't work, unfortunately. So, thinking I would get a USB extension and plug the reader directly into the tower, I went to Office Max. I noticed a 4-port USB hub, which I thought would be a little more convenient. It installed OK, but the card reader was still not recognized (despite being connected (indirectly) to the tower. With no particular logic, I then connected the external hard drive to the USB hub, which is connected to the tower. Then, amazingly, the card reader was recognized when plugged into the hub, AND via the USB ports on the side of the monitor. I don't understand even slightly how or why it worked--I was really trying to test the hub to see if the external hard drive would be recognized, thinking the hub may be defective. So all is well again in computerland. Thanks again for your input.

docbombay