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

Question

USB problems. (USB 3.0)

Jan 13, 2013 1:35AM PST
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/283824
http://www.ebuyer.com/350321-pci-express-usb-3-0-4port-card-with-vl800-chipset-with-blister-packing-n-expci-4pa

I've bought these two products and have tried everything to install and get them working but nothing has been successful. The hard drive is supposed to be USB 2.0 and 3.0 but when plugged into 2.0 it doesn't even load up and when plugged into the 3.0 pci card it loads but doesn't show up on the computer. The hard drive works when i connect it to my Blu ray player so i am sure it's working. Any one know what i can do to get these working or at least the hard drive working through USB 2.0?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Nod!
Jan 13, 2013 1:37AM PST

The Dell USB 3.0 issues are legendary. If you find parts that don't work, send them back. Why do you think it's your problem to solve?
Bob

- Collapse -
Answer
It so happens...
Jan 13, 2013 2:29AM PST

What PC is being used here? If you haven't already make sure your bios/EUFI has the latest updates from your maker. Next, as Robert posted if this is a Dell PC, they do have issues with USB 3.0, no ifs, ands or buts, they do. Is this a laptop PC, power issue. Next, no workee, then return before time runs out on immediate warranty issues, etc. from dealer. Does yours have its own power pack(AC wart) if using USB port alone, it doesn't always work. On top of all this there is the possible conflict of the USB chips being used, the OS(win7) and finally the devices themselves(cabling or power), so USB 3.0 is not a settled issue.

http://www.everythingusb.com/speed.html

http://communities.intel.com/thread/25167

http://h30565.www3.hp.com/t5/Feature-Articles/Everything-You-Wanted-to-Know-About-USB-3-0-But-Were-Afraid-to/ba-p/520

I best advise is don't buy cheap USB 3.0 anything and use the name brand items. However, vendors don't post the USB chips being used or similar. BUT, you should at least check their support websites to see what if anything is provided as a fix.

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
Dell
Jan 13, 2013 3:34AM PST

i have a Dell Inspiron 570, to be perfectly honest I'm not too fussed if i don't have USB 3.0 running, i just want my Hard Drive to work as i keep a lot of files on it. When i first bought it and set it up it worked perfectly, then one day it just stopped but now my External Hard Drive wont work at all. no matter what usb slot i plug it into it just wont open on the Computer!

Daniel

- Collapse -
Power problem
Jan 13, 2013 9:25AM PST

I suspect a power problem. Under 3.0 it suppose to have better power available and probably why you see the LED lit. USB 2.0 has lower power levels and if it doesn't show being ON(LED lit) then that suggests poor power or an compromised circuit within the USB device. Further swapping to other USB ports isn't the best idea(yeah, I know) you could very well fry every port it connected to, if in fact the USB device is broken.

>>>> it worked perfectly, then one day it just stopped <<<< Pretty much the results of a failed USB device. If you can try on another PC(one slot at rear) and check results, NOT a laptop. If it works, not power. If it fails, then the USB device is kaput. I truly wonder if it gave any clue prior of possible doom, maybe "iffy" operation now and then???

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
I agree
Jan 14, 2013 12:52AM PST

I agree, i no cables clipped into the computer from the newly installed 3.0 PCI card so maybe thats why i bought a load of SATA cables and pins (female and male) and have no idea where they connect to or how it works. to be honest, i dont mind about USB 3.0 im fine without it i just really want the hard drive to work. i have tried in all USB ports and no luck but other devices work in ALL of the ports so it cant be broken? as for operation is has been working perfectly, then just one day! it was all gone

Daniel

- Collapse -
Answer
What do you mean ...'it doesn't show up on the computer' ?
Jan 13, 2013 2:56AM PST

Where are you looking for the new drive ?

Did you look under DISK MANAGEMENT ?

If not, you need to look there too. The drive needs to be partitioned and formatted to be 'seen by the OS under Windows Explorer.

Re the USB3.0 card....what does it show under CONTROL PANEL ?

VAPCMD.

- Collapse -
it's doesnt open
Jan 13, 2013 3:37AM PST

My Computer and it doesn't appear. I have checked in disk management and device manager but nothing, the light on the hard drive is on (only when plugged into 3.0 and not 2.0 which is the worst part as it supposed to run on both)

its already been formatted i'm sure because it has worked on this pc before.

Daniel

- Collapse -
Ok...wasn't sure whether the PCI card and HDD were
Jan 13, 2013 8:42AM PST

both 'new additions' or what. Is the external USB powered ?

Do you have another PC to try the external on ?

VAPCMD