Hello All,

Recently I've bought some electronic devices (like e.g. Sony Ebook reader PRS-600 or HP PDA IPaq) which are connected to PC using USB ports. These devices have own batteries and they are recharged using USB. However, I am experiencing a problem with Ebook Reader and the similiar thing happens with my PDA (but in this case it's more rare).

Sometimes, I am unable to make it start recharging, when it's connected to USB port. The LCD diode on my Reader lights up and the icon in the system tray appears. They both indicate that the device has been connected. However, the device should start recharching and it should appear on Windows XP as a 'explorable' device (just like pendrive it offers some HDDs). None of these happens:(

This problem appears on two PCs - desktop and laptop. Both have Windows XP SP3 installed. And what's interesting and surprising to me is the fact that these devices sometimes work without any problems. I mean, I just plug them in and they work properly. Besides that, there are some computers (I have tested a variety of possible conditions) on which the problem does not appear!

I am confused and, on the other hand, determined to find out what is the real cause of such strange behavior. Maybe I'm wrong but I always assumed that I'm using deterministic machines, but the described situation makes me feel like I was dreaming:)

And that's why I'm asking you here. Are there any tools that could help me diagnose USB ports? Or maybe anyone knows the solution? I have a lot experience with low level programming (mostly from the times of MS-DOS applications), but I'm not an expert when it comes to WinXP technology. If this was a problem with network connection, I would know what to do - I know how to track network traffic, but with USB ports I feel powerless.

I have a feeling that the problem may lie in a way WinXP handles USB devices. Personally, I hate auto-discovery and P'n'P features available in Windows. I know that some of may suggest to move to Linux or other *Nix system. Unfortunately, I have to use WinXP in my professional life, so it's rather impossible. Besides that, I don't consider XP as a total disaster.

Any help from you will be appreciated!