Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Gateway Solo 1450 Laptop

May 20, 2009 9:11PM PDT

This laptop has everything I need except one thing; my usb ports do not recognize my Western Digital portable harddrive when I plug it into my USB ports on this computer. Everything else, they do! I am thinking that the usb ports cannot read 2.0? Is this possible? If so, is there away to upgrade these usb ports or at least one of them?
Any help would be certainly appreciated. I have upgraded the memory to 1gig; purchased a new battery so I hate the thought that I cannot use my portable harddrive!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Just curious
May 21, 2009 2:05AM PDT

Does this comes with its own USB cable that is Y-shaped and the connecting ends are connected? It does not matter if the drive is USB2.0 as I used one on a USB1.0 port. It may be underpowered to me that the drive doesn't powerup.

If you don't find the Y-shaped cable in the box, and can see if there is a DC connector, you can try providing it with more power via that.

- Collapse -
Sorry
May 21, 2009 8:10PM PDT

I never thought to mention that yes it works everyelse; just not on this laptop! I will look into what you suggested and thank you so much for your response!

- Collapse -
Just add on
May 21, 2009 2:10AM PDT
- Collapse -
Thank you!
May 21, 2009 8:28PM PDT

After looking at this item, I decided to try something that I had not thought of until reading your message and also what someone suggested to do but I never did it. I hooked up my laptop to an electrical outlet and plugged the drive into the usb port and whala; got the message that this device would work better on a more powerful (or whatever) port. Then the statement appeared that this device does not have a higher speed usb port. But it is still recognized! So I ordered that Y adapter for times when I might need it as to when I am not near electrical outlet! Thank you so much for your help!