when plugging in a USB device such as an MP3 player or memory stick, the computer will acknowledge that a device is PLUGGED in and play the noise that it does (not the failure noise) and if the device isnt installed it will even install it. but once that is done, i have no way of accessing it as it wont show up in My Computer, or open the appropiate programs for the Mp3 player etc.

It is a Viglen Dossier NS laptop
2x 1.1 USB ports
Windows XP Professional

i dont know if it matters, but i have Mcafee Firewall and Virus scan installed, but even with them disabled and shut down it doesn't help.
If you NEED more information, ill be here waiting, so please ask.
Regards,
lukeUSB 1.1 is an older standard (which, BTW, is 40 times slower than USB 2.0).  It is possible your motherboard is too old to be supported by Windows XP.  Check the Windows Catalog (what used to be called the Hardware Compatibility List) at the Microsoft Web site to be sure:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspxthats the thing though. it came with windows already installed with it, and it has WORKED with removable mass storage devices before, just slower. the strange thing is, is that im USING the laptop now with one of those USB wireless pen things.just doesnt show up the memory stick or MP3 players.
regards,
lukeWas it a brand new or used computer?

i bought this computer 1st hand, but that was a few years agoCheck the Windows Device Manager to see if it reports any problems with the USB device after you plug it in to the USB port:

1. Right-click My Computer and click Properties
2. Click the Hardware tab
3. Click the Device Manager button
4. Look for any red X or yellow circle with an exclamation point or blue circle
5. Right-click the device with a red red, yellow, or blue marker and click Properties
6.  In the USB Device Properties dialog box, select the General tab and let me know what it says in the Device STATUS box (especially let me know the error code number).