Windows 7 - USB Hubs not working correctly

I have a couple of powered USB Hubs that work inconsistently. For simple stuff, such as transferring a file from one external drive to another, they generally seem to be OK, but when trying to do multiple transfers, they fail. They also seem to be inconsistant when seeking to link phones and so on.

When I link the devices directly to the motherboard using the USB connections on the computer, I do not have a problem.

Is there some issue with the USB drivers that allow the system to differentiate between the different devices that are linked to a single hub?

First of all, what brand and model of USB hub is it?

The hubs are:

Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 7 Port Hub

and

Cerulian 7 Port USB 2.0 Traigular Desktop Hub

Thanks for your help

Try downloading this Driver Manager and with it, try and identify and new drivers. If there is such a driver and it prompts you to install, install it.

How are the two hubs connected to the PC when it fails? Are they connected via another hub, extension cable etc?

JaidynM - thank you for your response.

Both hubs are connected to USB ports on the motherboard, by standard USB cables, and are powered. I do not have them 'daisy-chained'

I have downloaded Driver Manager, and it has identified 4 out of date drivers. When I go to update them using its interface, it prompts me to pay for the application. While I am, in general, happy to pay for software that is of benefit to me, it will only give me the option to buy a 10 PC Family Pack for nearly £50. I have tried to find a web site that may give me other options, but cannot. Have you got any suggestions as I only need a single PC license, or 2 at the most?

Do not buy the software. Driver Manager should provide a link to the download site which can be used free of charge. The paid version is utterly pointless unless you're using it for long-term use.

Just so you know, 7 port USB hubs are actually two 4 port hubs daisy chained together. Thats why the they have the odd number of 7 ports, one port is used to plug the second hub into the first. So depending on what port you use you may be going though 2 hubs before you even get to the USB port on your motherboard. Personally I don't use hubs unless I absolutely have to and then only 4 port powered brand name hubs.

alphanemeric - thank you - a very interesting observation. I have quite a few USB devices that I need to conect (printer, two external drives, microphone, ipad docking station, spare micro and mini USB connections for phone and so on) so I do need a hub. However - I will take one apart and investigate, but will only buy four port ones in the future.

JaidynM - I have tried to use Driver Manager any which way, but I cannot get to the download sites from the application - it continuously interrupts and asks for registration (and thus money). I can get driver details from the site, and then search in Google and get to the relevant site, but I alway find them so confusing - listing so many drivers, I find it impossible to find the correct one. Any suggestions on that?

Can you post the drivers that it wants you to update? I'll see if I can find the relevant downloads.

Thank you - the drivers it has identified are:

AMD 760G by ATI Technologies - have one dated 10/02/2010, need one dated 9/11/2011

Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller - have one dated 10/06/2011, need one dated 23/11/2011

ATI I/O Communications Processor SMBus Controller - have one dated 21/06/2006, need one dated 26/02/2007

The other issues seem to be to do with USB products not connected, rather than drive problems