Bought a couple of USB flash drives, or 'memory sticks' I think they're sometimes called. These, according to the instructions, are supposed to install without drivers, which they do quite happily on my laptop running W2000, but my desktop, running XP (with all the updates) is having none of it.

Whenever I plug one in it insists on throwing up (!) the "Found New Hardware Wizard" and whatever route I take through this results in failure as it can't find any drivers.

It definitely seems to be a problem with the PC as it happens with two different types of memory stick. I'm guessing that I may be missing some generic drivers in my XP setup, but would appreciate any help you guys can give.....!

are you running aol? i've had this in the shop quite a bit.

i find it sometimes helps to try plugging them into the usb slots at the back if youre currently using the front or vice versa

No, I'm using a BT home hub running IE7.....

Have tried plugging in both places to no avail.

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Originally posted by GeoffT
Have tried plugging in both places to no avail.

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Do you have other USB devices running?

Is that the USB hub has become disabled somehow?

Have you checked in the event log to see if it says anything at all about plugging in a USB device? (Right click my computer, click manage, then go to event log).

Mark

Can you see the stick in "My Computer" when plugged in, aftyer ignoring add hardware messages?

Sorry if this sounds obvious, but if you want the drivers for the USB sticks, you can usually download them for free from the manufacturer's website, although I realise its a bit of a pain and not ideal.

No, it doesn't show up as a drive in 'My Computer'. I do have plenty of other USB devices running, I'm wondering if I should remove all these and give it a further try Will check out event log.....

Right click my computer> Properties>hardware>device manager....
Have a look in there for indicators of devices/drivers not working

It shows up in the Device Manager as an incorrectly installed device (yellow question mark). Doesn't appear to show on event log, but windows is obviously seeing it happen....

its usually just a case of hte OS detecting a new device its not seen before. let it 'install' (it does sod all in reality). you will (should) find this every time you plug the usb drive into a different usb port.