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Win 7 and LG GP50Nb40 USB DVD Writer - unknown device

Anonymous
2014-05-17T22:40:44+00:00

hello,

I purchased the LG GP50Nb40 external USB DVD writer and i am running Win 7 64 bit.  i connected the device with the provided cable and windows said there was already a device and refused to read the DVD.

i have an internal HP DVD writer.  so i assumed there was a conflict and disabled the HP device.  Windows still refused to recognize the device.

so i enabled the HP and put the LG install disc in it and copied the whole thing to my hard drive.  

then i opened up my desktop case and disconnected the power and sata cables from the internal HP DVD.

then i turned the computer back on and did the LG software install from disk. 

then i downloaded a firmware update from LG as per their software.

it failed because it said i did not have the specified LG device.

but i do have the LG connected via USB 2.0 hub but i can not use it all all.

windows shows an unknown device.

is there anyway to get my LG external to work or do i have to return it to Fry's Electronics?

i have already spent over 2.5 hours on what should have been a very simple install, which is why i bought a USB device instead of an internal device.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. LemP 74,925 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-05-17T22:48:56+00:00

    Assuming that you've tried connecting it to different USB ports -- preferably a USB port on the back plane of the computer and not through a hub -- I'd assume that the device is defective and return it.

    From what I can tell, this external drive does not have its own power supply and relies on the USB for power.  This can cause problems if you have other devices drawing power.  Try it connected directly to the computer with no other USB devices connected other than mouse and keyboard.

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  1. LemP 74,925 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-05-18T02:34:27+00:00

    Good news and thanks for the feedback.

    If you want to try using a USB hub -- and the drive may have difficulties with a hub aside from power -- make sure that you use a USB hub that has its own power supply.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-05-18T01:57:51+00:00

    Thank you.

    I connected the device's USB cable to the backplane as you suggested and the device works as advertised!

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