USB media reader crashing Win98SE

[JamesM3M5]

I have a Lexar USB SmartMedia reader that I have been using for some time now. I changed motherboards a couple of weeks ago, and I reinstalled all of my apps and devices again on a clean slate with my good old Win 98 SE disc (bought legally). So I install the Lexar drivers, reboot the PC, plug in the reader, then "Search for drivers". Once it has found the proper driver, it only takes a second once I click "OK", and I get the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH

Once I am able to get out of that ("Press any key...") does work, but Windows is screwed up afterwards, so I reboot. Then I plug in the device again and check Hardware Manager. I gives me this screen.

Anyone know how I can remedy this? I bought XP Home, but I don't know if I want to undertake installing that and taking the time to make sure all my other apps work fine. The reader worked 100% fine on my old P2 350 and XP1800 systems, so what is the deal? I now have an Athlon XP 1600+ (and a dead 1800), EPoX 8K3AE mobo, 512MB Crucial PC2100, and ATI video card.

EDIT--forgot to mention that I did check for the latest drivers from the manufacturer, and they are the same as the ones I have already. Tried them anyway, still getting the crashing. Also checked the FAQs, nothing. Also tried to turn off "ASD" and force Windows to use the USB Smart Media reader, but that ony crashes Win on startup.

Help, please!
James

 

[Darkcirc]

Have you looked into mobo drivers? maybe the usb is not playing nice? You mention intel systems as working correctly, and as much as it pains me it seems they do. AMD has come a long way butthier software seems a little flakey. Make sure you have the AMD driver pack installed or the VIA 4-in-1's if thats the case. To be honest I am simply too lazy to look up your board and have lost interest in building new systems at this point so I don't know off hand. Good luck, post back.
dc

 

[JamesM3M5]

Well, I tried updating ALL of the Epox mobo drivers, including the USB drivers, but that still didn't help. I get the same crash message. It's an EPoX 8K3AE.

Funny thing is that it worked 100% perfectly on my older Shuttle AK31A el-cheapo motherboard. I thought the Shuttle died a few weeks ago, so I bought yet another one of these Epoxes on special at newegg.com. I plugged in the XP1600+ AGOIA and it cranks up to 166FSB without a single hitch--not a hiccup at all--and it's nice and fast.

I like Intel and AMD both, and I was simply trying to save some $$ using an AMD system.

Maybe I'll try a different USB media reader. My Fuji runs fine on the USB, as do the Canon scanner and HP printer. I guess it simply doesn't like the Lexar SM reader drivers. I'll try contacting Lexar tech support on this now.

Anyone recommend I switch to WinXP Home? I have it sitting here collecting dust right now.

 

[JamesM3M5]

I guess I'm gonna have to give up. I tried a new PCI USB 2.0 card (my mobo has 1.1) and plugged the sucker in. After loading the drivers, the system still crashes with that BSD. It's not the USB/USB drivers, it's gotta be Win98SE.

Since I anticipated this, I bought a different Smart Media card reader along with the USB card. I bought this from Newegg (God I love that place!), a 6 card reader for MMC, SD, Mem Stick, IBM Microdrive, Compact Flash, etc, etc. It runs great. I should have spent the $33 bucks long ago instead of wasting 2 hours diagnosing stupid Windoze drivers.

Maybe those Mac guys are on to something... Not!

I hope this is the only conflict I have. I don't want to spend 4x as much on a PC to get the worry-free OS of a Mac.

Edited: linky

 

[DonaldC]

There is a Win98SE patch for USB that may help.

look

 

[JamesM3M5]

Originally posted by: DonaldC
There is a Win98SE patch for USB that may help.

look

Thanks for the link, Donald! I'll try it out.

I have both an AMD and a VIA chipset (KT333) on this new EPoX 8K3AE. The Shuttle had a VIA KT266 chipset, and it ran fine on it for quite some time. The Shuttle is still good, just sitting in a box now for a rainy day...

 

[DonaldC]

Keep us posted.

 

[JamesM3M5]

Sorry for the delay. I tried the update in your link, but it didn't help. There are some other updates I should look at on the MS website, and I may try again. But since I bought that 6-in-1 card reader, I don't really feel like fiddling anymore. I will probably end up selling the Lexar/Jumpshot USB SM reader. It's in perfect shape, works perfectly with any smartmedia card. It just doesn't like my new mobo. Oh well.

Thanks again for the help. You sig cracks me up, Donald.