Dell Dimension 4550 - doesn't detect usb drive in front usb ports...

[gar598]

I am trying to utilize the front usb ports on a Dell Dimension 4550 for a sandisk 2GB usb flash drive. For some reason, it doesn?t detect the drive, but those same ports can be used for an usb mouse. The drive works just fine when it?s plugged into the back of the computer.

Any ideas?

This is the drive

http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Catalog...Disk_Cruzer_Micro_USB_Flash_Drive.aspx

 

[John]

USB has always been finicky. The front ports are connected via a cable to the mainboard, and the ports on the back are soldered on. The front USB ports are in a horrible position anyhow. 😛 My advice would be to get a $20 powered USB hub and put it on your desk.

 

[gar598]

Could it be that the front USB ports do not have enough power to support the drive?

 

[John]

The front USB ports are still powered so I don't think that is an issue. Since the USB ports work with a mouse we know that they aren't defective. It's simply a case of a particular device only working in certain USB ports. It's not uncommon either.

 

[GreenGhost]

I hope this doesn't happen on my 4550. I just bought a 2GB SD, to arrive next week.

 

[gar598]

I should note that I have tried other drives in the front ports, and they detect/work fine.

 

[RaiderJ]

Dells can be finicky port wise. I installed a couple servers that needed an update before keyboards/mice would work in those ports.