Cable doesn't fit into back USB ports

Question

Level 1

55 points

Cable doesn't fit into back USB ports

My front USB port isn't working...everytime I plug a cable into it I get a message that reads "Power Surge on Hub Port" and it won't connect. My ports in the back are functioning, but I cannot connect my iPOd into them because the cord doesn't fit. Is there something I can buy (like a mini extension cord) that will connect them?
Please help I am so frustrated. thanks!

Posted on Nov 10, 2005 3:26 PM

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Answer 1

Bryan Mick

Level 6

13,026 points

Nov 10, 2005 3:28 PM in response to fhbblx_mq10

What do you mean the cord doesn't fit? Are you sure you're not trying to connect to a firewire port?

USB extention cords are available at most places that sell computer accessories (Best Buy, Radio Shack...)

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Answer 2

Nov 10, 2005 3:33 PM in response to fhbblx_mq10

Front USB port

On what kind of system? Please take a moment and use the link to the right
i View My Profile
and list your Model info.

A
i Power Surge on Hub Port
means that you most likely are getting a short of some kind. As long as the cord you are using is a USB A (more flat than square) connector it SHOULD fit unless you are using a PCI card and it is askew or there is excessive plastic on the connector. So, I don't know how another cable would make things better, but there are USB extender cables.

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Answer 3

fhbblx_mq10 Author

Level 1

55 points

Nov 10, 2005 3:34 PM in response to Bryan Mick

I'm pretty sure that they're USB ports; theres a group of six ports, where my mouse is plugged in. Next to the group is a little USB symbol. The end of the cord almost fits but the ridges don't match up. (I know thats not a great description, sorry)
Is my front port broken? Everything was fine and then one day it just stopped working.

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Answer 4

Nov 10, 2005 3:39 PM in response to fhbblx_mq10

This may sound silly, but did you try flipping the connector over? It only goes in one way.

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Answer 5

fhbblx_mq10 Author

Level 1

55 points

Nov 10, 2005 3:43 PM in response to J D Knight III

thanks so much for your help...
I'm using a Dell Computer (it has Optiplex GX270 written on it) with Windows XP. If you need more info just tell me where to find it.

Even when I plug in a USB cable (one that isn't connected to a device), the message still appears. The iPod connector does fit in the front, but not the back ones. I know the back ones work because I plugged a camera into one in the back and it worked, (it didn't in the front).

I would just use the back ports for my iPod too but the cable is a little different and won't work. I think there is excessive plastic on the connector?

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Answer 6

fhbblx_mq10 Author

Level 1

55 points

Nov 10, 2005 3:44 PM in response to fhbblx_mq10

and yep I plugged in the cable both ways

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Answer 7

Nov 10, 2005 3:47 PM in response to fhbblx_mq10

If you've got a warranty get the front ports fixed or tape them over so you don't cause other problems with your system.

Solution is either getting a USB extender cable, or get a small USB hub to bring a few ports around to the front of your system. Make sure it is a USB 2 compatible hub and make sure it is plugged into the USB 2 and not the USB 1 ports. Yes, you have both back there, and they are not labeled which are which, why when USB 2 will drive USB 1 devices, I'll never know.

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Answer 8

fhbblx_mq10 Author

Level 1

55 points

Nov 10, 2005 3:49 PM in response to J D Knight III

alright I'll do that- thanks again for your help!

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Answer 9

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Nov 10, 2005 4:06 PM in response to fhbblx_mq10

b and yep I plugged in the cable both ways

The iPod cable will ONLY fit one way, not "both ways".
One side is USB and the other is iPod dock connector.

And connectors will only one way. It will not fit upside down (unless you force it)

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Answer 10

fhbblx_mq10 Author

Level 1

55 points

Nov 10, 2005 4:50 PM in response to Chris CA

I musn't have been clear enough...
I only plugged the USB side in; I tried it both facing up and facing down, but neither side works.

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