How to free hidden resources?

Laptop, WinXP Pro with SP2 installed, some USB devices stopped working.
I'm suspicious that XP may be allocating resources when external devices are connected, but not releasing same when devices are no longer used.

How can I find and release unused hidden resources such as IRQ or IO?

Did have a PS/2 external keyboard on a PS/2-USB adapter, that recently stopped working several weeks after SP2 install; mouse on same adapter does still work.
Bought new USB keyboard, correct sound effects when plugging in or unplugging, but no response to keys and no lights at all.

Have a Belkin USB number pad for interstate travel, not sure if it has been used since SP2; when ext. kbd died I tried to use it but no joy.
Correct sound effects for plug in or unplug; light on pad comes on, but no response to any key on external pad, except that NumLock toggles light on/off. (system numlock light & state not affected)

Other USB devices (hubs, printer, mouse) all OK so far.........

Any advice please?
Hopeful Joe.

 

Thanks for the reply Tony;
I've checked for updated Belkin drivers, nothing; no comment about SP2 either.

Still suspect WinXP, had experience with hidden LAN port that retained IP setting after that device was disconnected; when tried to config another LAN device with same IP, XP told me that IP was already allocated to hidden port.

Don't see anything in task manager that seems to relate to the non-responsive devices.

?????
Joseph.

 

Have you looked in the Device Manager for any errors? Control Panel> System> Hardware >Device Manager

If you find any, try to get the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website.

Johanna

 

Device manager all clear, no errors shown.

The numeric keypad is Belkin F8E466.
Have checked Belkin website; not only no driver updates, no driver at all for this device!
All documentation says it should be recognised immediately by WinXP, no driver needed.

The external keyboard is generic cheapie; brand on the bottom is "Maxtron ", but that does not lead anywhere useful....


Paraphrase of the original question - where does XP hide information about disconnected devices?

Thanks, Joseph.

 

Joe

I had this problem after sp2.

I went to device manager and removed all USB controller devices and rebooted. All was rebuilt and all worked from then on.