hi-speed device plugged into non hi-speed port - usb 2.0 external hdd error

[Gigantopithecus]

I have a WD 80gb external usb 2.0 hdd that, whenever it's plugged into either of my systems, as well as two friends' rigs I tested, gives the following error:
"Hi-speed device plugged into non hi-speed port: this device will function at reduced speed, yadda yadda yadda"
Any ideas what the problem might be? The ports on the four systems are all operational usb 2.0 ports, so I'm sure it's not them, and that it's the hdd.
TIA!

 

[bjc112]

As long as your sure it's a POWERED USB 2.0 hub/port then there shouldn't be any issues..

Possibly and older 1.1 cable..

 

[stevty2889]

Did you try multiple ports on the systems, or just plug it in to a single port on each system? Do all of these systems have at least xp sp1 installed? Check device manager on each one, to make sure the enhanced USB host conroller doesn't have a question or exclamation point next to it.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

Yeah, sorry, I should've been more explicit about the problem. Yes, I plugged the hdd into multiple (all) ports on each of the four systems I tested it on (all have XP SP1 or 2 on them). Each time I got the same error. Plugging in a different (functional) usb 2.0 device into the ports results in normal operation (no error).

The strange thing, which is relevant, is that the hdd did not initially give this error. It's only been within the last few days, which seems strange to me since I'd assume it would simply stop working altogether, not just downgrade in speed.

Also strange, I can't really even tell if it's really even functioning at usb 2.0 or 1.1 speeds - it has a 2mb cache and has always been somewhat pokey, anyone know how to test this?

Thanks!

 

[Jiggz]

Test? Try a hdd transfer rate program. You can tell a 1.1 USB from a 2.0 USB. Theoretically, a 1.1 USB xfer rate is 12 mbits/sec which is roughly less than 2MB/sec. Compare to a 2.0 USB they usually average 30-50 MBS. You can try using a different cable to see if it will solve the problem. Or it could be the USB enclosure.