Computer doesn't see my mp3 player

[Steady Eddie]

I'm a technical dinosaur , and have a problem with my computer , which can't see my mp3 player .
Background -
Installed Windows Media Player 11 [ previously had WMP 10 which worked with MP3 player just fine ] , but didn't like it so .............. uninstalled it [ after great difficulty ] , and reinstalled WMP 10 .......... SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION of WMP 10 , but now my computer cannot detect the mp3 player [ I know the MP3 player and lead work because I bought them into work and connected them onto my work pc ] .............. I.T. guys at work are scratching their heads on this one [ at the moment the only suggestion they have is to try another USB port which I haven't yet done ,] , so I thought I'd give the site a try .
Any help greatly appreciated as I'm not the only one in the house with an MP3 player [ it's a Creative Zen 8GB Micro ] .

Thanks
Steve

 

[centaur]

You may need to reinstall any software which came with your MP3 player in case some common files got erased when you deleted/reinstalled WMP.
Foe reference a firewire connection would transfer data at a much higher rate...you may want to consider installing a PCI firewire card.

 

[jimbo]

Foe reference a firewire connection would transfer data at a much higher rate...you may want to consider installing a PCI firewire card.

I thought that firewire was old hat and lower then USB2?

I've found that moving devices between different USB ports sometimes works. If plugged into a 'new' usb port windows seems to detect it and re-install the drivers. I have no idea if this behaviour makes sense, but a couple of times its worked for me.

 

[Steady Eddie]

USB ports

I thought that firewire was old hat and lower then USB2?

I've found that moving devices between different USB ports sometimes works. If plugged into a 'new' usb port windows seems to detect it and re-install the drivers. I have no idea if this behaviour makes sense, but a couple of times its worked for me.

I'm gonna try this when I get home - thanks

Steve

 

[Wizard]

I've found that moving devices between different USB ports sometimes works. If plugged into a 'new' usb port windows seems to detect it and re-install the drivers. I have no idea if this behaviour makes sense, but a couple of times its worked for me.

^ Try that

 

[Steady Eddie]

Computer woes

^ Try that

Sorted now , thanks guys .

I spoke to a chap [I.T. Techie ] and with his help it's fixed .
Basically I had to uninstall all the USB ports and reinstall them , then restart the computer - when this was done , the computer searched for all drivers and found the additional device ..Bingo !!

Steve

 

[captain_dangerous]

That sounds like a MicroSoft fix.

 

[ianf]

I thought that firewire was old hat and lower then USB2?

I've found that moving devices between different USB ports sometimes works. If plugged into a 'new' usb port windows seems to detect it and re-install the drivers. I have no idea if this behaviour makes sense, but a couple of times its worked for me.

In general, USB 2.0 is faster (480mbps) than firewire 400. The OP didn't specify what rate firewire they were comparing.

Downside is USB is not as robust from a physical or protocol layer. All sorts of conflicting speed devices could be fanned out from a USB connection potentially affecting throughput. Protocol wise there's no isochronous behaviour to USB, so time critical transfers from cameras/DV decks etc. are much better off on a firewire port.
The same applies to disks, if you want reliable access times they are better off on firewire.