Drive issues

[Jason]

I have recently been getting some "lock up" issues with my Extenal CD re-writer. Its an HP 8200 connected by USB. If I boot up my PC and then insert any disc into it, my PC just freezes. I can however eject the disc. After about 30 sec's the pc comes back to life. If I then unplug the USB cable from the CD writer then plug it back in, re-insert the Cd it will function properly.

I have just had Broadband installed and the modem is also connected by USB. I did not notice this problem before, but then I didn't need my CD burner as much before I had broadband

Anybody got any ideas?

[Ginger Tosser]

Does your USB modem have a separate PSU?

If not it might be drawing too much power from the PC, early BT Alcatel USB modems did the same.

It might be worth investing (or borrowing) a Power USB hub to rectify this.

[Jason]

Cheers, I have seen these around and about and will check them out. In simple terms, is it that the modem is drawing too much power for the cd to function correctly?

Edit: errrr,,,,, having re-read your reply I think I know the answer already.........

[Jason]

Solved.

When I had broadband delivered, my nearest telephone socket was not within reach with the supplied USB & telephone cables. To rectify this, I had a spare USB cable a little longer in length than the one supplied which allowed me to reach the socket.

This morning I have drilled a hole through the chimney stack which enables me to use the supplied shorter USB cable and to tidy up the wires. Success, no lock ups.

Any particular reason why this should happen?

[Super Stu]

Could be the resistance of the longer cable. I had no end of trouble trying to get a webcam to work on a 5m usb lead (don't ask).