Problem with new plug and play devices

[bradpringle]

Hi, not sure if this is the right place, could be a hardware, driver or software problem but it's on XP so I'm posting here.

I'm having a problem with any new plug and play devices, most recently a new webcam. I plug it in to the USB, the computer recognises that there's something there (and even says it's a camera) but then the hardware wizard pops up. It does a quick search and then gives up saying it can't install the drivers. The camera didn't come with a CD containing drivers, the box said the computer would recognise the install it automatically.

This has happened recently with a Lexmark printer as well, and that time I did have drivers and an installation CD but still no luck. I'm wondering if there's a problem with my settings or whether a virus/malware (I found a few on a recent scan) has knocked something out.

All old USB devices still work, no problems with them being recognised (USB sticks, external hard drives, still/video cameras) but it's getting to be a real pain that I can't use any new USB products!

Any helps/ideas/re-direction to the correct place to put this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[patio]

Are you using the rear USB connections or the front ? ?

[bradpringle]

Sorry, it's a laptop. Dell Inspiron 1300 bought around 4 years ago. I'm at work at the moment but can post more specs later if needed. It has 3 connections all on the left side, same problem with each one so doesn't work no matter which you plug in to

[Allan]

I'm wondering if there's a problem with my settings or whether a virus/malware (I found a few on a recent scan) has knocked something out.

Please follow the instructions in the following link and post your logs in the thread you create (NOT in this thread):
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html

[bradpringle]

Cheers for that, I'll give it a go when I get home later and post the result