USB Installation Problems

Out-Of-Date Firmware

Firmware is a systems diagnostic file that contains all the information about a particular device and is found on every USB device. Manufacturers often create updates for firmware that can improve functionality on certain systems or new software applications. Updating a device's firmware often can resolve problems between the device and the computer operating system.

Unknown Device

When an external device is plugged into an open USB port, the computer will attempt to detect and recognize the device. If the device is detected, but not recognized, this could be a result of the USB plug not being seated correctly into the USB port. Unplugging the device and then plugging it back into the computer sometimes can remedy this problem.

USB Port Not Recognized As 2.0

Users who upgrade from Microsoft Windows XP to Vista occasionally run into a conflict where their USB 2.0 ports are recognized as an earlier version of the software, usually USB 1.1. This can happen when the USB boot controller is installed improperly. Uninstalling and reinstalling the boot manager using the Windows Device Manager can fix this problem.