Hi, I just purchased a Dell Inspiron 2200 laptop which I recieved yesterday. I ran it through its pases and updated windows through windows update. I have a USB Maxtor 3100 external hard drive with an external power supply. When I try to use it I get the error message that a USB device connected to the computer isn't recognized by windows. I have tried all sorts of things suggested at other forums such as removing all USB devices and letting windows reinstall but still no luck. Anyone here able to help. Oh yea, the external works on a total of 6 other computers 2 of which are laptops also.

have you gone to Maxtors website and downloaded/installed the driver so Windows will recognize it?

Mike, There are no drivers to download for XP, they are native. One little thing and I don't think this is the problem, you need to go into Device Manager, in System, Control panel and open usb controllers and update driver on usb controller...for some reason even though SP1 put the native driver in, you have to slect update driver and force it to install for usb 2.0, but that cannot be the problem. Go into the bios and be certain that usb ports are all enabled, and also be certain the hard drive usb cable you are using is for hard drive or storage transfer...there is a difference if you have accidentally mixed it up with a digital camera usb cable.

I have the same problem. Have it been resolved?

i have the same problem, i am at a library where i do not have administrator privlages, so i cannot even update to usb 2.0 or go into the bios i do not have internet at home or a laptop for internet cafes or anything. i can get into control panel but not device manager, i can get into MS Dos if that will help any. Black & White

I have had the exact same problem. My laptop (HP pavillion notebook) even flashes PS 3100 temporarily and then says "device not recognized" after a few seconds. I have talked with maxtor and HP customer service and neither could help. I have tried all of the above mentioned tricks (with the exception of updating the Bios). This same ext drive worked with my previous lap top and currently with my desktop. Has anyone had any luck? decastrb

After much frustration and head scratching I was able to get my Maxtor 3100 to be recognized in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 by switching from the USB cable they provided to a Belkin Pro Series cable. I didn't have to uninstall or reinstall or update anything. Just like magic it appeared when I swapped out cables.