Windows 7 - Problems adding devices in Windows 7

Can't figure this one out... nothing appears on the "add a device" screen where Windows 7 is supposed to be looking for new devices. No matter how long I wait.... never. No printer, no camera and no PDA. The computer makes a noise confirming attachment of the devices and also when I unplug them, so it knows that something has been plugged in but won't display the device so I can install it. What am I doing wrong???

Windows 7
New Toshiba laptop

It should automatically install them unless you've set it not to. Do they not show up in device management or devices and printers?

No, settings are okay for automatic installation and administrator, etc. but Win 7 does not detect ANY new USB devices that are plugged in. Have done all the troubleshooting features in Windows and the Automated Services online. No help at all. Very frustrating!!


Any ideas are welcome.

What is the model number of the laptop?

Toshiba Satellite L505D-S5983

• AMD Athlon™ II Dual-Core Processor M300

• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit)
• 3GB DDR2 memory
• 320GB HDD (5400rpm)

Does the computer manufacturer make a different? I thought it was a Windows problem.

Could be a user problem also, as you say it's making a noise when you connect things, but can't see them displayed. Plug something in, and screen shot your device manager and devices and printers and post them here.

if you get the noise when you plug the device in then try installing the drivers for the device after (you may have to search around for a Windows 7 driver) its just that some devices windows 7 doesn't have the pre-installed drivers for - same thing used to be the case in xp - with some radeon video cards you had to install the drivers before installing the card etc - may be something similar with your particular usb equipment

He's not computer illiterate and tried every which way to install the devices in Windows 7 to no avail. Gave up on Windows and installed Ubuntu and was able to install both of his Canon cameras with no problems. I don't understand why this didn't work in Windows.

Thanks anyway.