Not recognizing USB's

Hi,
Sometimes my Macbook does not recognize USB's, this includes flashdrives and my ipod. Why is this and is there any solution? I have a mackbook 10.4.11
Thanks

I don't know what you mean by is the external drive self powered - I plug it into the USB part of my macbook and it shows up, I try and do the same with the others and they don't show up. No, the external drive does not have other ports.
As we have been saying, a big issue with Macs is insufficient power through USB. Some devices supply their own power when connected to USB. They may get it from a separate power brick that is plugged into the device, or the device may have a battery in it that supplies the power. Other devices are not self-powered (e.g., flash drives) they get the power supplied through the port, but in many cases that is marginal, especially if the port is being shared through another device. A typical example of that would be a flash drive not getting enough power when plugged into the USB port on a keyboard because the keyboard itself is also consuming power. However, the flash drive will get enough power when plugged directly into the port on the computer. External hard drives often are designed to get power through the USB cable but it's marginal. Then you either use a separate power transformer/brick with the drive, or you plug it into a USB hub that itself is getting power from a transformer, not just the computer.

Similar Messages

USB Device Not Recognized - USB device attached has malfunctioned & Windows does not recognize it

I have an HP Pavilion dv4 Notebook running Windows 7 Home Premium and the USB ports worked fine for an HP deskjet printer and an older Casio digital camera. Then one day, the laptop decided not to recognize the Casio digital camera and gave the error message "USB Device Not Recognized" and also indicated that the device attached to the computer has malfunctioned. This prompted me to buy a new Canon digital camera. Well, a new camera did not fix the problem. Now, anything connected to either of the 2 USB ports will not be recognized by my laptop. Help! I'm at a loss to figure this out. I've tried the suggested Microsoft help below:
Suggestion 1: For the issue with USB devices, uninstall and re-install all the USB controllers. This lets the controllers recover the USB port from its unresponsive condition.
The USB controllers represent the USB ports in Device Manager.
a. Click Start, type device manager in the Start search box and hit Enter.
b. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Note: You might have to scroll down the list to find this item.
c. Right-click the first USB controller under Universal Serial Bus controllers, and then click Uninstall to remove it.
d. Repeat the above step for each USB controller that is listed under Universal Serial Bus controllers.
e. Restart the computer. After the computer starts, Windows will automatically scan for hardware changes and reinstall all the USB controllers that you uninstalled.
f. Check the USB device to see whether it is working.
This did not correct the problem. Then from device manager, I tried updating drivers on all the USB controllers and root hubs. While some may have received downloaded software updates, it still did not correct the USB device not recognized problem after restarting the computer. I'm hoping someone knows of the fix to this situation and can pass it along to me. Thanks for reading and posting any help.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hey 655micha,
I'm sorry you're having an issue with a USB device. Do you get an error window that pops up? If so what does it say? Have you checked Device Manager? Is is just one device that isn't working? Has it ever worked before? Is it just one USB port in particular that isn't recognizing devices?
What model do you have? Here are the steps to find your product number. FN + ESC is the easiest way to find that information.

Xserve unlocked but still not recognizing usb peripherals

I have an Xserve which does not recognize any usb attached peripherals, even though it is unlocked from the front panel.
In addition the PC monitor is also not recognizing it, and get no video output on it.
Has anyone else experienced the same issue? How to further diagnose/resolve this problem?

When I go to Disk Utility, my mac recognizes it, but when I try to repair and verify it says that it failed.
Sounds like it's very badly damaged, and it may be too much to expect the data to still be intact. However, you can try repairing it with a more powerful utility, like [DiskWarrior|http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/index.html] or [TechTool Pro|http://www.micromat.com>. If neither of those can fix it, then your only options will be using a data recovery tool, such as [Data Rescue|http://www.prosofteng.com> or [File Salvage|http://subrosasoft.com/OSXSoftware/index.php?mainpage=product_info&productsid=1], or paying an expensive data recovery service to disassemble the drive and recover what they can.
Of course, this would all have been avoided if you had backups of your data. In the future, you must have a minimum of three copies of any data you don't want to lose.

IMac is not recognizing USB connections. Memory Stick, Elephant Storage do not appear as connected devices anymore. Is there an easy solution?

My iMac is not recognizing any USB connections. Memory Stick and my Elephant Storage do not appear as connected devices anymore. Is there an easy solution?

Then try smc and pram reset.
Did you try the logout/in? Of course this is redundant if you do the smc and pram reset.

Usb not recognized, usb not recognized

Just got a new Gateway windows 7 laptop. Itunes is loaded but when I plug in usb cable it says it is not recognized?

You mean your idevice not being recognized?
Refer to this article:
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1538

Itunes not recognizing usb cord

i have been trying to sync my ipad but itunes will not recognize it is connected to the usb chord. the usb is actually charging my ipad but it will not connect to itunes. I have used 4 apple usb chords and the same thing keeps happening.

iPad not appearing in iTunes
http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/assistant/itunes/
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Mac OS X
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1591
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1538
IOS: Syncing with iTunes
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1386
Apple - Support - iPad - Syncing
http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/syncing/
 Cheers, Tom

Macbook not recognizing USB ports from external monitor.

I have a Dell Monitor hooked up to the VGA port and have several items (printer, external hard drive) hooked into the ports on the Dell monitor. My Macbook is not recognizing the things that are plugged into the monitor.
These ports were working at one point but when I moved my setup and had to plug everything back in I can't get the USB ports on the monitor to work.
Along the same lines...I tried connecting the monitor to my laptop with a USB cable (female port from back of monitor to male port on Macbook) along with the VGA port. This did not fix the problem but I just wanted to know (had my laptop been recognizing the ports) if this was even necessary.
Since this setup has worked before I'm thinking it is something small that I am missing but any help would be appreciated.
Macbook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Hi,
Please go to the following site and click Scan now:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?os=228&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&sw_lang=&product=31841...
Hope this helps.
BH
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

B/W G3 not recognizing USB Flash

Hello,
My Blue/White G3 doesn't recognize my new USB 2gb Portable Mem/Flash Drive. The Manufacturer, Dane-Elec states that the product supports Mac OS 9 and up. I'm running 9.2. My G3 is not connected to the internet.
I wonder if anyone knows of updates/patches I could download to my ibook & then transfer to the G3? Also, is there another product which might be more compatible?
Thanks a million for any advice! MG

Is it recognized if you plug it into your iBook?
What plug are you using? If on you keyboard, try plugging it into the back of the G3.
Try a reset of NVRAM/PRAM - Shut down your Mac, then start it back up while immediately holding the following keys: Command, Option, P and R. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the third time.
 Cheers, Tom

Mac not recognizing USB external hard drive

My Mac OS X 10.5.8 isn't recognizing my Samsung USB external hard drive. The hard drive has already been formatted for a Mac (rather than PC). My computer has recognized the external hard drive before with no problems. I've used it on a campus computer to copy video files from a documentary I was filming, and I've also used it on another campus computer to copy video files from a multimedia piece. I still need these files, so having to erase my hard drive would be DEVASTATING. Now, my computer won't recognize my external hard drive, even when I have it plugged in before turning on my computer.
When I go to Disk Utility, my mac recognizes it, but when I try to repair and verify it says that it failed.
It's also not a problem with the external hard drive because I've plugged it into another computer and it is recognized on the other computer.
What should I do?

When I go to Disk Utility, my mac recognizes it, but when I try to repair and verify it says that it failed.
Sounds like it's very badly damaged, and it may be too much to expect the data to still be intact. However, you can try repairing it with a more powerful utility, like [DiskWarrior|http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/index.html] or [TechTool Pro|http://www.micromat.com>. If neither of those can fix it, then your only options will be using a data recovery tool, such as [Data Rescue|http://www.prosofteng.com> or [File Salvage|http://subrosasoft.com/OSXSoftware/index.php?mainpage=product_info&productsid=1], or paying an expensive data recovery service to disassemble the drive and recover what they can.
Of course, this would all have been avoided if you had backups of your data. In the future, you must have a minimum of three copies of any data you don't want to lose.

Solution for XP not recognizing USB device ...

Hope this helps ... here's how I got my XP machine to recognize the IPod.
1) Un-installed all the software (not sure if this was critical, but it is part of the order of events I followed).
2) Next, I unplugged the IPod from my desktop and unplugged the USB cable from the IPod. Then --- I plugged the USB cable into my desktop FIRST and then plugged it into the IPod.
TBy plugging in the USB to the desktop first, I seemed to jiggle XP into recognizing the IPod. Now I can just connect and disconnect the IPod like any other USB device.

I had the same problem. Try this. If you've recently done the uninstall/reinstall software phase, don't bother again. The problem, at least for me was NOT the computer, it was the nano.
Reset the nano. Push the hold button till you see orange and then back again, lay it on the table and press the center of the circle (select) and the Menu at the same time, hold it 6 to 10 seconds until you see the apple.
Then, plug your cable into the computer first, wait a minute, then plug it into the apple and WAIT (if you are so inclined, this is a good time to say a quick prayer).
It worked for me, hope it works for you.
ipod nano 4gb - dell XPS laptop Windows XP

Macbook Pro (Retina) not recognizing USB devices?

I'm having some odd troubles with my Macbook Pro that I haven't had before.
I have an iLok that's not being recognized by the computer so I can't start up Pro Tools; however, when I tested the iLok on my sister's Macbook Air, it was recognized fine on iLok.com's tests (that also proved not to work with my Macbook).
I also have an Anker 4 port USB hub (not external-powered) that was running my Intellimouse by Microsoft perfectly fine until I shut down my computer last night and turned it on this morning to try it out.
Strangely, the mouse works directly on the USB port, but won't when attached to the hub anymore. The hub worked with another device but my ILok doesn't get recognized on my Macbook through it either (or any of the 2 ports directly either).
I tried an SMC reset (ctrl+shift+opn+power) and a PRAM reset (cmd+opn+P+R on power-on), but everything is still haywire.
I might have installed some updates last night, I can't exactly remember but vaguely can recollect a dialog box from the App Store.
What can I do to really resolve this issue? Is anybody else having something of this sort happening?

Just wondering if you ever found a solution. My mbp retina is not finding my iLok 1. No green light. Max 5 won't authorize.

My new mac mini not recognizing usb dac

mac mini stopped recognizing external usb dac. i've reloaded osx 10.7.3 and run 10.7.3 combo. nothing, it appears audio mini setup is not working. the dac lists in devices in finder, but nothing in audio devices. have downloaded driver numerous times....nothnig.
can anyone help?
thanks

sorry...been away for a hile. it appearsbthatbit fixedbitself......until the power went out earlier today and its now doing the same thing. itnwill not connect to the dc. it is a eastern electric dac plus.

MacBookPro not recognizing USB connections

Since I uploaded Maverick v 10.9.3, none of my USB connections are recognized. Not seeing 'devices' in the finder. Whassup?

Hi janep512,
If your USB devices are not showing under Devices in a Finder window, please check the Finder menu > Preferences > Sidebar tab as described in this article -
Mac Basics: The Finder
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2470
See section 8.
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Brett L

CoreMidi not recognizing usb keyboards

Hi all,
Having trouble with CoreAudio not seeing any midi keyboards
(all apps) Worked before but, now hasnt recognized 2 different m audio usb boards. Ive tried a few things with this one (repaired permissions, re-installed mAudio drivers, audio midi setup utlity) But havent had any luck. So I plead for help...thank you so much.
J

Yes,someone just had that problem.They solved it by reinstalling the drivers.
It is a problem with their (M-Audio) delightfully bad drivers.
Try reinstalling their (M-Audio) drivers.
Try contacting them (M-Audio) as well...
Otherwise move on to another brand.
Cheers

Mac Mini not recognizing USB optical drive - when Windows 7 in the drive

This is a really strange situation. I purchased a DVD writer in order to install Windows 7 on my Mac Mini (the SuperDrive stopped functioning some time ago). I've been able to boot from this optical drive to install Snow Leopard, but the Win7 disk isn't recognized when I try to boot from it (just get the folder with the "?"). Holding down "Alt" just shows me the Macintosh HD. I've tried multiple DVDs, including a genuine MSFT printed one with no success. I've attached this same drive to my Lenovo laptop and it booted to Windows 7 setup without a problem.
So, to sum up:
The Samsung DVD writer:
* boots up Snow Leopard on the Mac Mini
* boots up Windows 7 on the Lenovo laptop
* fails to boot Windows 7 on the Mac Mini
The Samsung model is Super WriteMaster Slim External DVD Writer, SE-S084
Any help would of course be greatly appreciated. Chocolate is possible for a really good answer.
- Hop

Hello hoppingboy,
Just an FYI for you.
It is always best to check with the software manufacturer FIRST. They will tell you if they have tested the product and the version, as well as whether or not it will work with Windows 7.
Check out the Windows 7 Compatibility site: (There you will find out about hardware and software compatibility.)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/en-us/default.aspx
There is a pulldown from which you can choose "hardware" and "software".
There are also some great articles, instructional videos and such to help with your Windows 7 at our Springboard site:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx
In any event a lot of the times, Vista drivers will work in lieu of Windows 7 drivers, however, it's not 100%!
As stated previously, it's best to have the Windows 7 certified drivers installed.
Thanks again,
John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support

Not recognizing USB's

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for