usb hub not detected

[Zoe]

I just got a generic 4-port USB 1.1 (unpowered) and I'm having some difficulty getting WinXP to recognize it on startup.

Right now I have a mouse, printer, and writing pad attached to the hub which in turn is connected to 1 of 2 USB ports on my computer. The other USB port is unoccupied. After I switch on the system and WinXP loads, the hub is labelled as 'unknown device' and none of my devices work. Only after I reconnect the hub to my computer (by simply unplugging and plugging it in again) is it properly detected and then everything's fine. However, each time I reboot the problem starts all over again.

Is it a power issue that prevents the hub from being detected when windows loads? Since all the devices work after I reconnect the hub, I'm not sure if that's the cause. Hardware manager reports that my optical mouse and writing pad each utilize 100 mA, while my printer uses 2 mA - USB's 500 mA capacity should be enough for this. I'm thinking it's a recognition issue either with USB, my chipset, or Windows.

I'm using a VIA chipset with the latest drivers and WinXP SP1. Any tips/suggestions welcome.

 

[AEB]

im not exactly sure of your problem but i hear a lot of issues like this with USB, so im curious to see if anyone knows WHY! this isnt a windows thing because ive heard of it happening on OS X. i think the bus is flawed

 

[helpmeout]

I have a very similar problem with a HD running in a USB2.0 enclosure on a USB2.0 controller card. MOST of the time when I power up the enclosure, the HD is not listed in My Computer until I disconnect/reconnect the USB cable at the enclosure, and then everything is fine.

 

[Zoe]

I found this page which explains how to reset the USB stack:

http://www.usbman.com/Guides/Cleanup Device Manager Safe Mode.htm

That seems to fix the problem, so far so good.

 

[corkyg]

Linky