Not enough power for USB device?

[Boxxcar]

I have a Sandisk Mini Cruzer - which by the way is a great little storage device - but when I pop it in to one of the USB ports on my home PC, I get an error message telling me there is not enough power to run the device.
WIN XP suggested fix is to remove one of the other USB devices. I only have one other USB device and it's my HP 6100 printer, (110V powered.) The Cruzer works fine at my work.
I'm using an ECS K7S5A motherboard.
Any suggestions?

 

[BlueWeasel]

I have a similar problem with my Sandisk Titanium USB drive. as apparently the drive requires more power and is picky with some USB ports. I have to plug and unplug the drive 2-3 times both at home and work in order for it to be recognized by the OS.

One alternative that might work (but I haven't tried it) is to use a powered USB hub, as they would likely provide more power to the individual ports.

 

[CrispyFried]

According to device manager, my mini cruizer 128 mb only draws 100 ma. (My ifeel mouse draws 500 for comparison). Have you tried other ports?

Look under device manager under usb properties and you can find out how much each usb device is drawing.

 

[Zepper]

Yes, a self-powered hub is the best solution. I've seen one that goes in a floppy drive bay if you don't care for external. Often those will support more than the 500mA spec. You could also check to see if that port is actually supplying any 5V at all (using a DMM). Or, if you are fimiliar with electrical wiring and soldering etc., you could tap some extra 5V directly off a drive power lead to the USB port.

.bh.

 

[oogabooga]

as has been said : using a self powered hub would probally be the simpliest solution if in fact, your port doesn't have enough power to run the device. Try test swapping ports, and such. If all else fails and you HAVE to get a hub : i'm sure they could be had for pretty cheap, might even try a WTB thread in FS/FT i'm sure someone has a hub that they are looking to get rid of cause they bought a Mobo that comes with 8 ports instead of 2 ;P

 

[BlueWeasel]

Odd, I just checked and my Titanium USB drive is only drawing 100mA (according to Device Manager). Most typical USB ports should be able to handle that, right?

 

[Zepper]

As I suggested, something may be wrong with the +5 to one or more of your ports, use a DMM to be sure.

.bh.

 

[Jolt2]

As suggested above, a self powered hub would be the simpliest fix. Another thing you could try is a PCI USB card. This will add more USB ports to the back of your computer.

You have checked all your ports to make sure they are working? Plug that printer that you know works into the other USB ports just to make sure it is not a port problem. Are you plugging into the USB ports that are at the back of your case? The ports that are on the motherboard at the back will have the most power. If you are using the ports at the front of the case check your ports to make sure they are working and if they do not work check the wiring to them.

 

[xgsound]

Originally posted by: Jolt2

You have checked all your ports to make sure they are working? Plug that printer that you know works into the other USB ports just to make sure it is not a port problem. Are you plugging into the USB ports that are at the back of your case? The ports that are on the motherboard at the back will have the most power. If you are using the ports at the front of the case check your ports to make sure they are working and if they do not work check the wiring to them.

Yes check the device in the back ports first. This eliminates header and wiring problems to front ports. If that does not work, try to redetect your usb ports.


Jim