USB device that deactivates other usb ports

[Wolfgang]

I have this really old mp3 player that doesnt really work. When ever i plug it into a sub port on my iMac, the others dont work, but every thing is fine as soon as i unplug it from my computer. It does this even when it is plugged in to the surge protector also. Anyone know why this is happening and/or how i can fix it? Thanks alot

 

[superbovine]

I have this really old mp3 player that doesnt really work. When ever i plug it into a sub port on my iMac, the others dont work, but every thing is fine as soon as i unplug it from my computer. It does this even when it is plugged in to the surge protector also. Anyone know why this is happening and/or how i can fix it? Thanks alot

it is either bad or it is pulling to much power shutting off the other usb parts because it takes all the power. try a powered a hub, although your surge protector maybe a powered one which means it probably mp3 player hardware

 

[CanadaRAM]

This is the perfect excuse to get a new iPod.

 

[Wolfgang]

Yeah i have an ipod, but i wanna use the old mp3 player as an external drive since the hard drive in it is just a laptop hard drive

 

[CanadaRAM]

Yeah i have an ipod, but i wanna use the old mp3 player as an external drive since the hard drive in it is just a laptop hard drive

Don't.
Not worth the potential damage to your data.
You can buy a USB memory stick qith 1 Gb for about $30 - 40 so why risk it?