USB Device Troubleshooting in Windows 98, ME, and XP
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In this document:
Where can I find the driver that upgrades my USB 1.0/1.1 ports to USB 2.0?
Important information about Legacy USB Support
USB device not detected by the PC
Error: HI-SPEED USB Device Plugged into non-HI-SPEED USB Hub
USB devices stop working unexpectedly in Windows XP
USB devices are detected by the computer but are not working properly
Error: Activation failure of BIOS USB
This document describes general troubleshooting tips for Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices in Windows 98 Second Edition, Me, and XP. Perform the steps in one of the following sections to find a solution.

NOTE: Some USB devices require USB device software drivers be installed before connecting the USB device to the PC, like multifunction printer/scanner/copiers. When installing a USB device always follow the installation documentation from the USB device manufacturer.

NOTE: Many older HP computers do not support USB 2.0. In order to support USB 2.0, the motherboard must have USB hardware and a chipset that supports the 2.0 standard. If the device is a USB 2.0 device, and the port is not USB 2.0 compliant, the USB device may still work, but at the reduced transfer rates of USB 1.0 or 1.1.

Does your PC support USB?
USB 1.0/1.1 is not supported in Microsoft Windows versions before Windows 98 Second Edition. USB 2.0 is supported in Windows XP Service Pack 1 and later.
Where can I find the driver that upgrades my USB 1.0/1.1 ports to USB 2.0?
You will not find a driver upgrade that upgrades USB ports from 1.0/1.1 to 2.0. However, if you are receiving PC messages that state you should connect your USB 2.0 device into a higher speed USB port and you know that you have a USB 2.0 port on your computer, there are certain USB controller upgrades that have been made available through Microsoft Windows Update that can better enable USB 2.0 on your computer. To get these updates for Windows 98SE or Windows ME, use Windows Update. To get these updates for Windows XP, use the following steps:

Connect to the Internet if the computer is not already connected.
Open Device Manager: click Start, Run, and enter devmgmt.msc into the open field.
Click the plus sign (+) next to Other Devices.
If there are any references to USB in Other Devices, such as USB Host Controller, right-click the name and select Update Driver Software. Follow the information given to download and install any available updates.
The name in Other Devices should be automatically be removed and then added to the Universal Serial BUS Controllers category.
Test the USB device again. If the message appears, continue using these steps. If the message no longer opens, you are done.
If there are no more references to USB in the other devices category, click the plus sign (+) next to Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
Right-click the name of one of the Universal Host controllers and select Update Driver Software.
Follow the screens that open to find and install any available updates through Microsoft.
If any downloads were installed, test the USB device to see if the message continue to appear.

Important information about Legacy USB Support
Most USB problems in Windows can be resolved by disabling USB Legacy Support in the BIOS.

NOTE: Your USB keyboard or mouse must have USB Legacy Support enabled in the BIOS to work with MS-DOS-based utilities and non-Windows modes. Before using the following steps make sure you have a PS/2 mouse and keyboard plugged in to the computer.
Use the following steps to enable or disable USB Legacy Support on your computer:
Turn on the computer.
When the first screen displays press F1 repeatedly until the setup screen displays.
Use the Left and Right arrow keys to select the Advanced tab.
Use the Up, Down, keys to select Legacy USB Support and then press Enter.
Use the Up, Down, and Enter keys to select Enabled or Disabled and Enter.
Press F10 to save settings and exit.

USB device not detected by the PC
Perform the following steps to troubleshoot the USB port when the computer does not detect a USB device:

Check Device Manager to see if the device displays under the USB section or the Other Devices section. To do this, follow the procedures below:
In Windows XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.
In Windows 98 and Me, right-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop, and select Properties.
In Windows XP, select the Hardware tab and click the Device Manager button.
In Windows 98 and ME, select the Device Manager tab.
Check for the USB device under the Universal Serial Bus controllers or under the Other Devices section.
If the device is found under Universal Serial Bus controllers or Other Devices, Remove or Uninstall the device from Device Manager, disconnect the USB device, and restart the PC.
Install the USB device software following the manufacturer's suggestions. Continue if the device name cannot be found in Device Manager.
If the USB device is missing, double-click the USB Root Hub, click the Power tab, and then click Power Properties (if it is shown). The available ports and power usage is shown. If the displayed power is over 500mA, remove the devices and use a powered HUB. To check the properties of a HUB double-click HUB and the HUB information window will open.
Remove high-speed USB cables that are over three meters and use high-speed cables that are less than three meters.
Only use high-speed cables less than three meters with high-speed USB devices (Multifunction devices, scanners, and cameras).
If the USB device is connected to a USB port on a keyboard, unplug it and plug it into a USB port on the PC or into a powered HUB.
There may be an issue with the USB port. Try plugging into a different USB port. If the USB device displays in Device Manager after plugging the cable into a different port, then Uninstall and reinstall the USB device software driver.
To work around the error message, enable Legacy USB Support :
Disconnect all USB devices and use the following steps to remove the USB Host Controller:
Restart the computer and press the F8 key repeatedly after the first screen displays.
A Startup or Advanced Options Menu displays.
Select Safe Mode and press ENTER to start Windows in Safe Mode.
In Windows XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.
In Windows 98 and Me, right-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop, and select Properties.
In Windows XP, click the Hardware tab and then Device Manager.
In Windows 98 and ME, click the Device Manager tab.
Click the (+) plus sign next to the Universal Serial Bus.
Select USB Root Hub, and then click Remove or Uninstall. Continue until all USB Root Hubs are removed.

Close DeviceManager.
Reinstall the Host controller:
In Windows XP, click Start, click Search, and then click All Files and Folders.
In Windows 98 and Me, click Start, click Find, and click Files or Folders.
Set Look in to Local Hard Drive (C:).
In the Named field type usb.inf, then click Find Now.
Right-click USB, then Install.
Restart the computer and verify that the USB Root HUB exists in Device Manager.
Install the device software driver using the manufacturer's recommended method.
Reconnect the USB device.
Consult the manufacturer of the device for support if the device still fails to display.

Error: HI-SPEED USB Device Plugged into non-HI-SPEED USB Hub
The following error opens after a USB is connected to the computer:
HI-SPEED USB Device Plugged into non-HI-SPEED USB Hub

This message does not indicate a failure of the device, but instead is an indication that the hi-speed device will not be able to perform using a higher transfer rate. The effects of this message may not be noticeable, but can be:

More delay before a page is sent to a USB printer.
More time to fully scan a page.
More time to fully load images from a camera to the computer.
More time to download files from a USB storage device.
This message can occur when:

A hi-speed device is connected to a USB 1.0 or 1.1 port on the computer.
A hi-speed device is connected to a USB 1.0 or 1.1 external hub or device (like a keyboard) that is then connected to any version of USB port on the computer.
A high-speed device is connected to a hi-speed USB 2.0 port, but the connection is poor (cable too long, inferior cable type, low power situation).
To help correct these issues, ensure the following items are true:

The USB port used is truly a USB 2.0 port. For most HP and Compaq desktop computer you can refer to the motherboard specification support document on customer care for this information. Some motherboards have both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports.
The connection between the hi-speed USB device and the computer uses hi-speed compatible cabling. Cable lengths should be 3 meters or less. Look for any problems with the cable; pinches, bends, or cuts.
The computer and the USB device are connected to power sources that are being used by too many other devices. Try connecting the computer and device directly to another power outlet. If the computer is using upgraded hardware, such as extra memory and hard drives, make sure the total power consumption is not more than what the power supply is rated for. If so, upgrade the power supply.
If the computer has a hi-speed 2.0 USB port and is using Windows Vista or XP, updating the USB controller for some types of USB hardware is known to increase the USB throughput and prevent this error. To do so, use the following steps:
Connect to the Internet if the computer is not already connected.
Open Device Manager:
In Windows Vista, click Start , and enter device manager into the Start Search field.
In Windows XP, click Start, Run, and enter devmgmt.msc into the open field.
Click the plus sign (+) next to Other Devices.
If there are any references to USB, such as USB Host Controller, right-click the name and select Update Driver Software. Follow the information in the screens that open to download and install any available updates.
The name in other devices should be removed and added to the proper category (Universal Serial BUS Controllers).
Test the USB device again. If the message appears, continue using these steps. If the message no longer opens, you are done.
If there are no more references to USB in the other devices category, click the plus sign (+) next to Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
Right-click the name of one of the Universal Host controllers and select Update Driver software.
If any downloads were installed, test the USB device to see if the message continue to appear.

USB devices stop working unexpectedly in Windows XP
If you have a USB device attached to the computer that works, but quits working for no apparent reason, please refer to the following HP support article to resolve the problem: USB Devices Quit Working Unexpectedly in Windows XP .

USB devices are detected by the computer but are not working properly
Perform the following steps to troubleshoot the USB port when a USB device is not working properly:

Unplug all USB devices connected to the computer. This includes thumb drives, printers, and video cameras. If you are using a USB mouse and keyboard, temporarily use PS/2 devices if available, otherwise leave them connected.
In Windows XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.
In Windows 98 and Me, right-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop, and select Properties.
In Windows XP, click the Hardware tab and then Device Manager.
In Windows 98 and ME, click the Device Manager tab.
Click the (+) plus sign next to the Universal Serial Bus.
Select USB Root Hub, and then click Remove. Continue until all USB Root Hubs are removed.

Close DeviceManager and restart the PC.
If the USB device that is having problems came with software and it was not previously installed, install the software now following the manufacturer provided instructions.
Reconnect the USB device that was having problems and test it to see if it works.
The device should now work properly. If problems persist, continue using these steps.
Right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties.
In Windows XP, click the Hardware tab and then Device Manager.
In Windows 98 and ME, click the Device Manager tab.
Open Universal Serial Bus Controllers by clicking the plus sign (+).
One of the following four conditions are displayed:
Unknown Device - If the device displays as an unknown device, check the following items:

If the USB device is connected to a USB port on a keyboard or hub, unplug it and plug it into a USB port on the computer.
The device may not be getting enough power. If other USB devices are connected to the system, remove all other USB devices (except keyboard and mouse) and try a different available USB port. If this solves the issue, use a powered USB hub to power more devices.
Other Device - If the device displays under Other Devices the USB ports are working but the device software drivers need to be installed. Unplug the USB device and install the software drivers.
Device Name Displays - If the name of the device is shown, the USB port is working properly. There is a physical problem with the device or there is an issue with the device software drivers. Try disconnecting the USB device, uninstalling the device's software (if any), and then reinstalling the software. Restart the PC and try connecting again. Refer to the manufacturer of the USB device for more information.
Device Not Listed - If the device is not listed at all, continue to the next section; USB device not detected by the system.