HP 4540s boot prroblem

I just got the above computer and have a question.

If I have an external hdd plugged in and try to boot, the screen brings up the HP logo, but will not boot.

The message says "press esc to bring up start menu" but does not do anything.

I have gone into the BIOS and set the internal hdd as the first boot - makes no difference.

Just spent an hour with HP support - useless!rolleyes

Any ideas?
I can disconnect the external hdd and boot and if I have to go that route, I will.

Just trying to find out why I can't get it to work with the external hdd plugged in.

Thanks,

Paul

 

Is booting from USB Storage enabled? Try disabling it.

 

It is already disabled and hdd is the only one on boot selection page.

 

I updated usb ports and that solved it.