USB 2.0 not working correctly

[zzyss]

I recently purchased a DVD writer for my T40 (2 USB 2.0 ports), and I'm running it from an external USB 2.0 enclosure. However, so far I have been unable to get it to connect at USB 2.0 speeds, except a couple of times randomly. Usually, I will just get a message saying "This USB device can perform faster if you connect it to a HiiSpeed USB2.0 port.
For a list of available ports, click here."

The other device I have plugged in is a Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical (USB 1.0).

I have tried everything under the sun to get the drive to connect at USB 2.0 reliably. Changing the sequence of plugging in, turning on, rebooting with no mouse connected, etc. etc. So far, no combination has proved to be infallible. This seems to me to be a software/driver related problem, but I don't see any USB driver updates from IBM, nor Windows.

Does anybody else out there suffer a similar problem, and knows of a solution?

[WilsonF]

Both USB 2.0 ports on your TP are on a single USB host controller on the mobo. If a USB 1.1 device is plugged into either port, the entire controller drops down to USB 1.1 speed. If you disconnect the mouse, the other device should operate at USB 2.0 speed.