Flash Drive doesn't work

I want to use my new flash drive to take files to and from work. The problem is that my work computer is an old clunker with only the old kind of USB ports. To compound the problem, they do not let me install any kind of new software or devices.

When I plug the flash drive into the USB port, a bubble pops up that says in bold letters "HI-SPEED USB Device Plugged into non-HI-SPEED USB Hub". Below that it says "For assistance in solving this problem, click this message".

If I click the message, a box pops up on the screen (I wish I could paste the image here, but it won't let me). The message next to the big exclamation point says "The USB Mass Storage Device is a HI-SPEED USB device and will function at reduced speed when plugged into a non-HI SPEED port." There's a little diagram that reminds me of Windows Explorer in the middle of the box. At the bottom is a "Recommendation" that says "The USB Mass Storage Device will function at reduced speed. You must add a HI-SPEED USB host controller to this computer to obtain maximum performance."

Now, I'm willing to settle for less than "maximum performance". But the problem is that I get no performance at all. The flash drive does not show up as a lettered drive in "My Computer", as it does on all my other computers. I can't find any other way to access it.

A friend at work thinks that it won't work unless I get a different Windows "Service Pack" with the right driver installed on the computer, which is out of the question.

Sooooooo...do I have to give up? Is there some trick I am missing? Is there an adaptor I can buy? Or do I have to buy a different flash drive that works with the outdated USB port? Or do I just have to wait until my company gets with the times and gives me a decent computer?

 

What version of "Windows" are you running at work, would be my first question?? Some "Work" windows can be old such as Window/98 which require a driver for most USB "Flash drives, they are available at the USB "Flash" drive manufactor site, as well as a good source of info on making your USB device work. Hope that helps

 

Sounds like un-updated Windows XP from his description of the USB messages.


DVH, do you by any chance work for BellSouth? Heh, my dad does and I've heard some stuff just like this from him. They still won't install SP2 because... well, who knows.

 

It's Windows XP, and no I don't work for Bell South.

Thanks for you help, everyone. I guess I'm stuck without flash drive service at work for the time being, but sooner or later a better computer will "trickle down" to me...

 

You miss his point....this is not an option.....

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