Check your CMOS settings: Often the CMOS setup program includes a setting to enable and disable USB (see FIGURE 1). If USB is disabled and you have installed a USB keyboard, you wonÆt be able to access the CMOS settings unless you install a PS/2 keyboard first.

Check for a custom driver: You may need to install a driver before adding some devicesùa fancy joystick, for example. Check your documentation.

Call your manufacturer: Some of the first USB systems came with all the proper internal hardware but no ports, while others were designed before the specifications were finalised. If youÆre having a problem with your USB system, ask your manufacturer if it was designed before the final USB specifications were completed, and if your USB system has no ports, ask if you can be sent an updated model.

Add a second USB hub. For users whose existing USB hardware is faulty, who need to move more data than the 12 mbps a single hub can provide, or who just want to add USB to a non-USB system, several PCI-to-USB adapters are on the market.