USB issue- T22 keeps "ejecting" modem

[jonah111]

Hi everyone,


I was referred to this forum and it looks like there's a lot of good info here. A problem has developed with my wireless broadband Franklin CDU-680 modem over the last couple weeks. After being online from 2-20 minutes, the USB port stops working. I get the “Unsafe removal of hardware screen” and the message on the modem control display reads “insert modem”. In order to get the USB port to see the modem again, I have to close the modem display, physically unplug the modem and plug it back into the USB port. The “unsafe removal of device” screen will pop up again, I click OK, reopen the Mobile Broadband display and reconnect. The connection will last from 10 seconds to 20 minutes and I’ll have to repeat the process to reconnect. The computer is a Thinkpad T22 and I’m running Windows 2000. USB connections with cameras and MP3 players work fine- seems to happen only when the modem is plugged in and has a connection. Here’s what I’ve done so far with no improvement:

 Exchange the modem for another from Millenicom. They tested the Modem I sent back and said it was fine.
 Used the modem to update software on my sister’s computer. Computer is also an IBM Thinkpad (T21) running Windows 2000- modem worked fine.
 Bought a PCMCIA card to add 2 USB ports (thought maybe the single USB on the laptop was bad). Modem signal improved because I could plug both connections on the pigtail in, but no improvement on the USB connection.
 Disabled the infared port, network connection, and dialup modem through the device manager.
 Updated BIOS and checked for other hardware updates through the IBM/Lenovo site.
 Reformatted the hard drive and started from scratch last night- still no improvement.

Is this an issue with the motherboard or some type conflict within the USB that can be resolved? Any help or advice is apprecitated.

thanks

[Stan]

Did the PCMCIA USB card come with a power lead (it may have a PS2 or USB plug on the end) and, if so, are you using it?

If it came with a power lead it may be worth using it if you're not already. USB modems consume quite a bit of power (500ma normally) and would benefit from having the power lead connected.

[jonah111]

No power lead was provided, but there is a hole between the 2 USB ports that looks it might be intended for one. No info in the printed user manual either.

[RealBlackStuff]

It will take a 5VDC 1A or 1.5A external power supply such as this:
http://www.arstech.com/item--pwr5v.html