USB 2.0 hub on IBM 380xd laptop

[rustytruck]

I have the above with the following problem.  The external HDD (g and h drives) works fine when plugged into the computer, but when adding a USB (generic 4 port) hub the external disk just sits and beeps and flashes its lights    I am trying to put a large program onto the external HDD and need at least two ports (computer has one- need one for the HDD and one for the memory stick with the program).  It seems there is a conflict and I cannot get both to talk.  Can anyone help please.

[GX1_Man]

Do these external drives have their own power supply? If not, then there probably is not enough power from the laptop port.

That laptop only has 1.1 ports I am sure. Does the other equipment require USB 2? Did this ever work correctly or is this new equipment?

[rustytruck]

The external drive uses laptop power, and works perfectly without the hub installed.  The USB hub is new equipment.  After installing the hub the HDD becomes inoperative when plugged into the hub ports - simply pulling the usb out and putting the HDD plug back in makes the drives operate normally.  The computer probably does have 1.1 ports but the documentation with the new hub said it is OK for both 1.1 and 2.0 ports and equipment.  The HDD has been operating normally for a year now as described previously.  Any ideas welcomed.

Rusty

[ale52]

Possibly a defective hub    Can you try it on another computer?

Alan <>< 

[rustytruck]

Forgot to mention in my earlier posts.  I have a memory stick which works well with the usb hub installed.  There appears to be a conflict between the HDD and the hub and my pathetic knowledge of finding the problem is obvious.  Guess my next move is to try it in another computer and eliminate one more possible cause as suggested in the last post.
Thanks for assistance

Rusty

[2k_dummy]

Try using a hub with its own power supply. The USB port is limited to 500mw and is likely not enough power for both devices. If not externally powered the hub itself will use a very small amount of power, thus reducing the total power available to other devices connected to it. Your flash drive requires little power but the external drive probably requires the full 500mw.