BleepingComputer.com: USB device not recognized - external DVD drive

Just bought an acer aspire one netbook. (xp home)
And bought an asus sdrw-08d1s-u optical drive to go along with it.

now when i plug in the 2 usb connections to the netbook i get the message

"USB device not recognized.
One of the usb devices ... has malfunctioned, and windows does not recognize it"

If i attach this to my desktop, it is recognized just fine.

Why is this happening?
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated

thanks

Is it a larger drive? Like desktop size? USB 2.0 won't be able to generate that kind of power. You may need to add the AC adapter. maybe even if it is laptop sized. Also I know you probably already did this, but make sure the drive is switched on, if it has a power switch.
Finally, some usb ports just don't play well with some devices. try a different port. if it still doesn't work, try plugging something else, like a usb mouse, into the same port, to check the port. I know it's rare but I have seen brand new stuff have issues.
My assumption is that the drive needs more power.

1. First, make sure you install the drivers/software(Turbo Engine and Power2Go) provided, after which you can connect the drive.

2. Are you sure both those ports are USB 2.0?
The drive needs to draw power from both the ports, to function properly.

can't install the software as its on a dvd!
Its the dvd drive that is not being recognized.

Been on asus website, no drivers available for download

andybe, on Dec 10 2009, 10:54 PM, said:

Yeah, I had no luck finding the drivers.

I suggest you head to your friend or relative's place and copy the necessary files (drivers) from the DVD onto a flash drive OR you could probably borrow an external drive for your computer, just for the driver installation.

Either way, after you have installed the drivers, try connecting the new drive to your computer and let us know if it works.

thanks guys,

@dfiore - turns out it was a power issue. Without the ac adapter the usb ports dont have enough power. thanks

Thought so.
Glad you got it sorted out.

andybe, on Dec 17 2009, 03:26 PM, said:

I was going to put that into the mix!! I have an Acer Aspire One that the CD will not work off the battery also! It will however work for about 20 minutes after power it unplugged!

Phil