MX7515 USB Problems

i bought an averatec 6130-HS laptop in september of 2004 from future shop and was pretty happy with it for about 10 months until the SD card slot failed. seeing as future shop is the warranty provider for those machines, I had to send it off in August through their store. I received it last friday nite (October 14th), only to use for 2 minutes before the whole system stopped working again. I marched right back up there, and after some wrangling, managed to get an exchange on the laptop for a new one

So I picked up a Gateway MX7515. A real beast of a machine with crazy specifications! I took it home and proceeded to install all the applications I normally use on my laptop - but noticed that it wasn't detecting my external Hard Disk. I use a CoolMax External Hard disk enclosure with a Seagate 400gb drive. On at least 30 computers this drive detects and is able to function without issue, however when plugged into the Gateway MX7515 the following happens:

When booting up with the Disk connected via USB - Does not show up in the Drive listing/hardware listing. You need to either cycle the power on the hard disk or remove and replace the usb cable.

Once you DO have the hard disk detected - it will work for a short amount of time, until on the screen the system will state "This Device will perform faster if connected to a USB 2.0 port" - and the disk will start thrashing and "chirping". A short time later, the drive will not be even listed.

I managed to exchange it again for a new one. Perhaps it was a faulty motherboard I thought... After some testing - the same problem existed.

I spoke this morning to Gateway Support via their chat service - and they stated that there was nothing wrong with the laptop - and that I needed an adapter. The adapter they told me to purchase was a D-Link USB 2 Cardbus Adapter! After asking the support rep why I would need that after this works on all other computers I have tried this on - (including the one I was typing on at that moment) he stated that it was because the laptop did not support "fast transfer" speed.

I went and purchased a Vantec Nexstar 3 external case today - and the same problem exists. Again I will have to travel to future shop and exchange again to get a working system - the specs on this were nice, but sorry gateway - telling someone who has worked in the field for 10 years that theres nothing wrong with the laptop and you simply need to put another usb card into the system doesn't fly for me.

Just had to let this out..
dave

 

How about using Windows Update to update your usb drivers. It could be the case too. I had an old USB case, can't remember the make, it just would not connect with my desktop. I replaced the case and everything was peachy.

 

Have tried to download the latest drivers - no such luck...

Perhaps a firmware upgrade can fix it - who knows?

 

I wonder what "fast transfer" speeds are? There was another thread about usb problems . http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=27552

I always assumed USB 2 is USB 2, but I guess there is something else... and my 7515 don't got it.

....

 

Windows Update is different than downloading the latest driver from Gateway.

 

"Fast Transfer" was the term that was given to me by Gateway, and I scratch my head everytime I think about it. I'm not sure if this is related - but my drive is now DEAD. Filled with CRC errors --- Tomorrow I'm gong to try a friends 400gb with the gateway with a different case - and see how it goes - perhaps it was two things happening at once?

(as I'd really like to keep this laptop)

 

Let us know. This whole driver and update thing is a bit of a bugger. But your problem sounds alittle different - so maybe it is "two things at once".

Good luck and let us know....

I've re-read your post - maybe you should try to call and get a different service rep at Gateway. worth a shot...

 

Hey guys, I saw this thread (and thanks to nsl for the link) so I figured I'd give a bit of an update which I'll cross-post to the other thread:

This problem strikes me as something that is probably hardware-related. However, in my case, the problem isn't with detecting the devices on the USB chain, but rather them mis-detecting as being plugged into a USB 1.0 port. And interestingly enough, both devices in my case (an iPod and a pen drive) are also storage devices. Neither Windows Update nor Gw2K has any updated drivers for the USB, and I couldn't find any after a bit of searching through ATI's site either. The problem doesn't seem to be uniform, but rather is confined to a few select computers. One hypothesis is that somehow a few of the cases for these laptops got made with a bum batch of USB ports. My belief is that a faulty USB controller is to blame. Either way, I'm afraid I share the same problem as is described here and many other places: they didn't fix it the first time. I think they too are convinced it has something to do with the software, however I highly doubt this is the case since a restore to F.O.B. condition does nothing to remedy the problem (and since my 7510 works fine with all the crap I have installed, I think we can safely rule out any software conflicts, but I suppose you never really know). I'm waiting on the latest status report and I'll share it when it comes (the technician's notes "hadn't been entered" when we checked with Gw2K last). But it's back to the techs at Gateway again so we shall see. More to come....

 

I had the same problem with one of my thumbdrives. I have 2 identical thumbdrives, one them works the other didn't. The other worked fine in other PC's, but not in my MX7515. I fixed it only by getting a replacement.

I agree with zazonz a little though. Maybe you can find someone who knows how to delete the driver that windows associated that hardware with, then plug it in again to see if it'll install/associate the right driver to it. I didn't bother with mine since I found an easy fix. I think the knowledge of those Gateway techs is limited to what their computer flowchart tells them. (USB works? Yes? - End Call / NO?- See page 15)

 

Well - I went and did indeed lose that hard disk alltogether, and have a replacement coming. That being said, I have a Nexstar2 enclosure here with a 400gb drive in it, and it works fine. When booting the system, it is detected right off the hop and doesn't make any clicking noises. I'm hoping this is simply firmware that can be upgraded - We'll soon see if other problems arise in the coming weeks/months with this bird. I'm semi scared to use my laptop now - I have 7 more days to return it. However, rather than letting it sit here I should start putting it through a test.

 

Hey Everybody,

Dave - I'm sorry to hear about that, but I completely understand. I was looking around, because now I'm worried alittle about mine. Here is something I found.

http://www.download.com/USB-Info/3000-2094_4-10421456.html?tag=lst-0-1
It's a program called USB Info and should give you more insight into your problem. Have you tried it? Anyone who is familiar with this program please write in? It's free to try - 40 bucks to buy. I'm going to test it out and report back...

The USBInfo looks good but you can't do the tests on the trial versions. It seems to say that the card readers ARE USB 1.1

Does anyone know of a freeware usb tester?

 

Anybody try calling gateway support about this USB issue?

I did and told them to look at this website. They said this model had no issues reported about the USB problems. I made a file and told them to work on a firmware fix.

Maybe if enough people phone in - they will seriously look at this issue.

 

EXACTLY the problem that I have been having, I will NEVER buy GWAY again...

 

"This Device will perform faster if connected to a USB 2.0 port" is the error msg I get at intervals when plugging into my so-called "USB 2" ports on this $1300.00 MX7515 Gateway laptop...I don't think we are ISOLATED cases...I think Gway has screwed up a production line and won't admit to it.....where to get help?????

 

"This Device will perform faster if connected to a USB 2.0 port" is the error msg I get at intervals when plugging into my so-called "USB 2" ports on this $1300.00 MX7515 Gateway laptop...I don't think we are ISOLATED cases...I think Gway has screwed up a production line and won't admit to it.....where to get help?????

 

"This Device will perform faster if connected to a USB 2.0 port" is the error msg I get at intervals when plugging into my so-called "USB 2" ports on this $1300.00 MX7515 Gateway laptop...I don't think we are ISOLATED cases...I think Gway has screwed up a production line and won't admit to it.....where to get help>>>>>>> http://www.usbinfo20.com/ this program will list all USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports and for 19.95 will test them for you...