help on USB ports

[nnaahhss]

Hello folks, I am not a computer wizard and seek help from you – I bought a external hard drive with USB 2.0 hi speed 480 MB/s connection. When I try to use it with my laptop ( IBM R32) I get the message as “the USB device has exceeded the power limits of the hub port” and at times it says, “this mass storage device will function at a lower speed etc, but never I could detect this external hard drive. Can I expect help please! Thanks.

[natesneat2000]

Firstly, unless you have USB 2.0 prots, you won't get the whole speed; it looks like that's what one error's for. The other one; it appears that your laptop can't provide enough juice for the drive; did it come with power cable? Perhaps you should buy USB 2.0 PCMIA card; some also have power connectors, and it would greatly increase speed. Good luck!