Inexplicable USB extension cable problem

[mikedz]

I've just bought a Freecom 500GB Toughdrive. It is brand new and I have not yet transfered any data on to it.

I'm running Windows 7 64bit on an Abit AN8 Ultra mainboard.

When I plug in the tough drive using the integrated usb cable (on my USB 1.1 or my USB 2.0 interfaces) the device seems to function normally and I can mount and access the drive. Neat.

However, if I then use the male > female extension cable, the light on drive comes on but the drive will not mount. I know that your thinking - this would suggest a faulty cable. Unfortunately not, since my 2 other usb extension cables which I know work, do not work with this drive. In addition, I have tested the drive and its extension cable on an XP SP3 laptop and it does work. I also tried the drive with cable on my win7 64 laptop and it worked - tho earlier it did not work. Power issue? I dont think so since its not a USB hub - its a straight male > female extension cable.

Please provide some explanation, as I am stumped. I can use the device, but it's a pain in the neck that I cant use an extension cable since my USB 2.0 ports are at the back of my computer and very difficult to access.

Thanks.

 

[seekermeister]

No explanation, just a suggestion...get a USB hub that you can plug into the back, and that will give you easy access without having to go back there each time.

 

[DocBrown]

I bought several USB ext cables. 6ft & 10ft. They will work with some low power drawing devices, but not with high power drawing devices. I have read that the shielding & quality of the cable for 2.0 USB is very important. But you can only take the manufacturers word for it until you test the cable yourself.

 

[theog]

Hi

Do you have this written on your cable?

HI-SPEED USB Revision 2.0.

If not,it is USB 1 cable.

 

[mikedz]

UPDATE - Yes it's a USB 2.0 cable. I plugged in a friends powered USB hub and now the drive works with and without the cable. GREAT SCOTT!!!! Doc, I think you might be on to something there - the cable works with other laptops but not on my machine without external power from the hub, perhaps I've got more interference flying around at the back of my machine. Guess I'll just have to go and get myself a powered hub.

Cheers guys!!