Windows 7: Laptop won't recognize scanner

I have an Acer laptop running windows 7 . I plugged in my scanner but the computer won't recognize it, no matter what USB port I use. it's a bearpaw 1200 cu scanner. any help is appreciated, thanks

try a powered hub...? test the usb cable on something else...? are you sure its powered on...?

Hold old is the scanner? Are you sure it's compatible with windows 7?

You might need to manually download the the driver files.
As long as this Scanner is working fine and receives power and your usb ports are working. I can only assume it is a driver issue. Please post the product information Model number and manufacturer

does it even show up as 'unknown' device?

I'm a little surprised that nothing is detected, but regardless, the scanner is not supposed to be Windows 7 compatible:

Windows 7 Compatibility for mustek bearpaw 1200cu: Drivers, Updates, Downloads

The latest drivers that Mustek lists for it are more than 10 years old:

BearPaw 1200CU

I suppose that if you were running Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate, you could run XP Mode (Windows XP running in a VM), but it'd have to be a really great scanner for it to be worth the trouble.

Thanks for the help everyone I have been out of town for a few days. It[s a mustek bearpaw 1200 cu and I have it installed on my desktop and it works fine. I have the updated zip file from the net. so the software works I will try the extension cord that could be the problem.