USB device not detected

I don't use thumb drives very often on my pc, but I do occasionally. When I recently tried I got a message that stated there was a problem with the device.

In Device Manager under Universal Serial Buss controllers there is a "unknown device" with an exclamation point in front of it.

I also get a notice in the tray that states "Device driver software was not successfully installed. "

Based on the traffic that I have seen on the Internet when I searched this problem this isn't an uncommon thing. However, the problem that I am facing is that all the suggestions that were offered (and fixed those who posed the question) has not resolved my problem.

I went to MS site to check that my system had the latest updates, it does. I also deleted all of the things under "Universal Serial Bus controllers" in the device manage so that they would reinstall at boot up. I uninstalled the drivers for the specific "unknown device ". Still to no avail.

I don't know exactly when it started, but I started seeing a message at log in stating that one of the USB devices was not recognized by the system about a week ago.

One thing I have not tried (and wanted to wait and see what the response here was) was doing a system restore to a couple of weeks back. I would rather try to fix it first if possible.

 

Yes, I have tried the drive in another computer - it works fine. I have tried 3 different thumb drives and none of them work on the one computer but work fine on all the rest. Yes, I have have tried all the available USB ports and still doesn't work. Yes, other USB devices work (mouse, keyboard, APC battery backup etc.)

Although I didn't expressly state it in the OP but based on the research that I have done on this issue, it is not a hardware issue but an OS issue.

 

Yes to all of those.

 

Thanks for the link. I read it and proceeded to look up the particulars of my mobo and bios information to update it.

I have: Phoenix Technologies, LTD 6.00 PG 04/16/2008. When I googled that information I am basically routed to one of two places. Both of which wants me to join for roughly $40 so I can update my bios. At this time, that isn't going to happen.

So, is there a FREE way to get the needed updates for my BIOS? If not, I will have to live with this problem.

 

Mobo: Jetway
Model: HA04

 

Update: this isn't resolved yet. I had to go out of town on business unexpectedly, I won't be returning for a few more weeks. Once I get back I will work on this. Can the thread remain open for that length of time?

 

Your call. Thread can and will remain open until you return and are ready to mark it as resolved. Your are the original post starter and have control of that setting. Keep in mind though that you can mark this as resolved and should you change your mind remove that setting later:

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http://support.microsoft.com/kb/871233

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/hardware_device_problems/en-us

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.co...-usb-2-0-flashdisk-device-not-recognized.html
in particular the last couple of threads in the post above.

 

since you're using multiple usb drivers, I guess it has something to do with the driver letter used by the driver in question.
try changing its driver letter from other computer.

hope it help you.