BleepingComputer.com: Device Connect/Disconnect/Failed to Connect sounds

Running Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1.

Problem:

I am hearing the Device Connect, Device Disconnect, and Failed to Connect sounds at random times, sometimes 2 minutes to 10 hours apart. No error window pops up when this event occurs, nor do any event logs record anything out of the usual when these events occur. It does not appear to be connected to any specific program or application that I run.

I have scanned my computer with multiple virus scans and malware scans. I have observed firewall connectivity and it appears that whatever is causing it is not trying to connect to the internet. I have full confidence that it is not an infection. I have also reinstalled the OS and applied the updates, but the problem is still there. I have done a driver check on all the hardware and all drivers seem to be in order.

To me, this is truly a phantom problem that has driven me to wits end. I apologize if the information seems lacking, but to be honest it's pretty much all I konw about this problem. I would be greatful for any comments or suggestions.

What do you have connected to your USB ports?
What are the settings in your Control Panel to control the activity of the USB ports (in particular, any settings that sleep/disable that device when it's not being used).

The easiest thing to do is to disconnect all your USB devices and only connect them when using them. Also, follow the Safely Eject Hardware protocol when removing them from the computer.

This post has been edited by usasma: 24 February 2009 - 07:37 AM

So simple but yet so very wise. I've looked at my USB connections, which consist of a mouse, keyboard and printer, and it would seem that the printer USB connector is tad loose. I'll disconnect it and monitor the situation.

After monitoring it all day I'm sure that was what the problem was. It didn't occur to me to check them becuase the all the hardware was working fine. Thank you usasma, I greatly appreciated your help!

I almost got rid of my color laser printer because of this. The USB port appeared loose and I had difficulty accessing the printer. Turns out that the high quality USB cable that I'd purchased had a large rubber housing that wouldn't let it plug all the way into the printer. Whittled some of the rubber away with a pocket knife and it works fine now!