PowerBook G4 Double-Layer SuperDrive Special Report: USB Port problems

Some readers report issues mounting USB hard drives on their new Double-Layer SuperDrive PowerBooks.

MacFixIt reader Gary Ratay writes:

"I purchased a new 15 inch powerbook from my local Apple Store(latest model) OSX 10.4.2. Neither of my external 2.5inch USB drives would mount. One was a LaCie Porsche Mobile Drive, the other a Generic USB enclosure, would mount. Apple Profiler saw the drives but neither appeared on the desktop. Both mount fine on my G5 Desktop and 15 Tibook OSX 10.3.9. Went to the Genius Bar at Apple Aspen Grove Store in Littleton CO. They tested the USB ports, both checked out fine."

MacFixIt reader Dale writes:

"I also have bought a double layer super drive 15" powerbook through Apple Japan and neither of the USB ports can drive my Logitech 80 GB portable drive or my LaCie 80 GB portable drive. (The 'back' USB port of my old 12" powerbook had no problem with either of these drives).

"The LaCie 80 GB portable drive comes with a separate USB cable that one attaches to the power pin of the drive. Even with this attached (that is two USB cords attached), the drive does not work.

"The only way I can get these drives to mount is to use a powered external USB hub.

Clearing caches with a tool like Tiger Cache Cleaner can sometimes resolve this issue.

• Release Notes
• Lapses in AirPort connectivity; Sudden drop-offs in network throughput
• User comments on brighter screen
• Developer Notes
• Using DiskWarrior with the PowerBook G4 Dual-Layer SuperDrive
• Faulty batteries
• Slowdown in graphics performance
• USB Port problems
• Why the battery lasts longer than previous models

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