'This Device Can Run Faster' Error

[EVSzalkowski]

Hello!
Recently, I've started getting an error which says:
"Your USB Composite Device can perform faster if it is plugged into a hi-speed port"
"The hubs shown in bold type have free ports that can support the HI-SPEED USB device"

It then lists two bolded options for a hi-speed ports: A USB Root Hub with 6 ports, and another with 4. This error occurs on both my Windows 7 equipped Dell XPS15 (which has 2 USB ports) and an older Dell laptop which runs Vista (3 USB ports)

This is shown after my external drive (a seagate model) disconnects from my computer, which usually ends poorly for me, since I typically run Photoshop off my drive.

I'm wondering if these errors are caused by a new USB splitter I bought. It has 4 ports, but the model year and quality of the thing are dubious at best; my webcam and wireless mouse are also typically attached to it, and the webcam disconnects at the same time as the external drive. The mouse still works though, so that's pretty mysterious.

Anyway, it's becoming a real annoyance, and any guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[essenbe]

Without knowing much else, I would guess the problem is your USB Hub. A USB port is only capable of so much bandwidth. That hub plugs into 1 USB port. So in essence, you are running 3 USB devices off of 1 USB port. The port cannot supply the bandwith to all of the USB devices at once. That is my guess.

USB ports are a great idea, but usually don't work out. I know, I have 2 in a spare parts box. With mine, I didn't get the warnings you are getting, I just noticed that the items plugged into it didn't work well. One at a time they were OK, but 3 would not work right.