Quote: EllieJP @ February 10 2009, 4:07 PM GMTThey don't all have mains? All batteries. It's like they've conked out one by one.
Bugger.
I think they get confused with all the different devices being plugged into the same ports, and what drivers to use. I'd try my first suggestion if you feel you're able.
Quote: EllieJP @ February 10 2009, 4:01 PM GMTAh okay. No error message and things USED to show up under my computer, but they don't anymore.
Should I do what Nil said?
It's worth a try, but I've been having a similar problem with my laptop and have tried everything under the sun. My only option left is to reinstall Windows.
That sounds like a plan. I'm at work at the moment, so I'll try it later on when I get home.
(I should add that although my problem is similar, it sounds like yours may be more serious - certainly more consistent.)
Quote: Aaron @ February 10 2009, 4:13 PM GMT(I should add that although my problem is similar, it sounds like yours may be more serious - certainly more consistent.)
Quote: EllieJP @ February 10 2009, 4:12 PM GMTThat sounds like a plan.
Re-installing Windows? I go for uninstalling the USB root first.
I've had similar problems before, and that's sorted it.
PCs give me headaches. Why can't they just work? I'm stuck with Puppy Linux on my laptop at the moment. It's OK for basic web browsing but it's not the best OS.
Ellie, we'll have to do another meet soon, then you can bring your laptop and I'll wipe it for you. 
Backing up all the porn first, obviously. (No wink.)
Quote: Leevil @ February 10 2009, 4:15 PM GMTPCs give me headaches. Why can't they just work? I'm stuck with Puppy Linux on my laptop at the moment. It's OK for basic web browsing but it's not the best OS.
Computers work. Users don't.
Quote: Aaron @ February 10 2009, 4:16 PM GMTBacking up all the porn first, obviously. (No wink.)
Hell yer.
Quote: Nil Putters @ February 10 2009, 4:14 PM GMTRe-installing Windows? I go for uninstalling the USB root first.
I've had similar problems before, and that's sorted it.
Yes that's what I meant... the USB root first.
Coolio.
Quote: Leevil @ February 10 2009, 2:32 PM GMTOk, I have a question. Might seem stupid obvious, but is it safe to connect to PCs together via a USB? I understand there is a small power supply running through USB cables, I don't want to break two PCs at the same time, that would be a new record for me.
I wouldn't do it!!
The 5-volt supplies in each computer might not be at quite the same voltage & a heavy current might flow. The circuitry SHOULD shut down under such circumstances and as a last resort an internal fuse might blow.
There's no chance of it working with just a plain cable, because the Computer end of USB is a Controller and the socket on a device leads to a Controlled device. One USB Controller cannot Control another Controller.
However you can buy a device into which you connect a USB cable from each computer and suppled software enables this rig to be used for a local area network. And I think theres a version of such a device which is a 'bulge' in a cable which you connect between USB ports of two computers.
Quote: EllieJP @ February 10 2009, 4:12 PM GMTThat sounds like a plan. I'm at work at the moment, so I'll try it later on when I get home.
Any luck?
Nope.
Bugger. Sorry, I'm out of ideas then.
Quote: billwill @ February 10 2009, 10:38 PM GMTI wouldn't do it!!
The 5-volt supplies in each computer might not be at quite the same voltage & a heavy current might flow. The circuitry SHOULD shut down under such circumstances and as a last resort an internal fuse might blow.
There's no chance of it working with just a plain cable, because the Computer end of USB is a Controller and the socket on a device leads to a Controlled device. One USB Controller cannot Control another Controller.
However you can buy a device into which you connect a USB cable from each computer and suppled software enables this rig to be used for a local area network. And I think theres a version of such a device which is a 'bulge' in a cable which you connect between USB ports of two computers.
Thanks Billwill! I decided not to do it anyway, might as well just use an Ethernet cable.