WinXP can't detect USB Flash Drives

digimax · #1 10-30-2004, 02:54 AM

My computer can't seem to detect some USB Flash Drives (USB 2.0) ever since i reinstall Windows XP (using the Restore CD that came with it).

These flash drives are said to be "Plug N Play", and doesn't come with any CD and their websites don't have drivers.

I plugged them into my PC, and Windows XP detected it. It was able to identify the different make (It says "Found New Hardware: DataTraveller 2.0") of the USB drive. However, a dialog box "Found new Hardware" appeared and it asked for the drivers. It can't auto-install from WinXP.

I tried the USB flash drives at other PCs, Windows XP auto-detected the devices, identified it, and installed all of the required drivers. Then, it says "Your hardware is installed and ready to use". No "Found New Hardware" dialog box came out. When i replugged the flash drive into those PCs again, the drive appears and can be used.

Anyway, I did a check, the Restore CD came with Windows XP 5.1 with no Service Pack.

So, I downloaded the "non-WindowsUpdate" version of SP1 and SP2, and installed them one by one. Still, when i try to plug in the drive, it asked for drivers.

The weird thing is, before i reinstalled Windows XP (I reformatted the HDD), my PC was able to identify and auto-install the USB Flash drives like it was supposed to do.

I did a check on the USB drivers, and i uninstalled ALL USB ports (via Device Manager), rebooted, WinXP auto-installs everything back (including my USB mouse) but STILL can't auto-install the USB flash drives.

One thing weird, though. I was able to install my Creative Mp3 player and transfer files. The player appeared as a drive (a Plug N Play device) and the device was auto-instaleld as it should be.

Please help me.

digimax · #2 10-30-2004, 03:03 AM

WEIRD ODDITY :

Funny, but after i typed such a long post, the USB port finally recognised my Kingston USB flash drive.

I plugged in the drive in, again. It came up at Device Manager with a question mark icon. I unplugged it, it's not on the list. I replugged, it started auto-install.