Aluminum iMac + Aluminum Keyboard USB problem

[megamanbnmaster]

Hi. I've had this problem since May but never got around to caring for it.
Apparently, my USB ports have a low power problem. I can get my mouse to work on them but thats all. Flash drives (even 512 mb), iPhone, iPods, external hard drives, and all other 2.0 USB gadgets won't work. The screen just shows "low usb power notice" and then wont accept the item At first it was ok, but now having all my hubs used up and all the backports used up as well, im running out of room and i constantly have to unplug something to use my usb thumb drive.

I believe this error occurred after the firmware for the keyboard, as before, my ipod touch and external hard drives worked fine.

My guess is that this is mostly a hardware problem, but im posting on here to see if there might be a chance somebody else has my problem.

I bought this iMac like a month after Leopard came out and im wondering if the keyboard is covered in the limited warranty (if its a hardware problem).

thanks in advance!


(p.s. ive tried on a macbook and it has the same result, but im not sure if macbook supports powered 2.0 [apple website said no])

 

[chscag]

The aluminum wired keyboard has a very limited power output from its two USB ports. The keyboard ports can not handle external hard drives and higher powered flash drives. I have my mouse and printer hooked to my keyboard and they're OK.

I suggest purchasing a powered USB hub that can handle at least four ports. They're not expensive and will save wear and tear on your built in ports.

I also installed the firmware update and have not noticed any change with regard to the USB ports. Could be your keyboard is at fault, and yes, it's covered under the warranty.

Regards.

 

[atlanticza]

I had a similar problem with a MBP - Flash drives were suddenly not recognised by USB ports, but then an iTunes update fixed it. Absurd I know.

 

[megamanbnmaster]

hmm. well the problem is that the iMac documentation said the power hub should work. And it worked with my ipod before the firmware.
bleeh, this is my second keyboard from Apple. (first one was defective, 2 keys wouldn't work)...

and i already have a powered hub, but all the usb slots are used up. -.-

yea ill go to apple store later on to see whats going on.


thanks for the input!