My computer says the USB port connected to my mp3 is drawing too much power and has shut down the USB port. How do I get around this? I have a MacBook Pro.

INSUFFICIENT POWER - USB PORT
If you get an error message "Insufficient power to operate USB device" when you plug a USB device into the computer's USB port or the un-powered USB hub that is attached to the computer's USB port, then this device is drawing excessive current that the USB port cannot supply. The maximum output from an USB port is 500mA. In case such as this, you need to purchased a powered USB hub and connect this hub into the computer's USB port and then connect the USB device into this powered USB hub.

If you get an error message "Insufficient power to operate USB device" when you plug a USB device into the computer's USB port or the un-powered USB hub that is attached to the computer's USB port, then this device is drawing excessive current that the USB port cannot supply. The maximum output from an USB port is 500mA. In case such as this, you need to purchased a powered USB hub and connect this hub into the computer's USB port and then connect the USB device into this powered USB hub.

If you get an error message"Insufficient power to operate USB device" when you plug a USB deviceinto the computer's USB port, then this device is drawing excessive currentthat the USB port cannot supply. The maximum output from an USB port is 500mA. In case such as this, youneed to purchased a powered USB hub and connect this hub into the computer'sUSB port and then connect the USB device into this powered USB hub.

Some mp3 players, such as ipods, require a 2.0 usb connection. Most ports on the front of computers are only 1.1 and this is not even enough power to charge some mp3 players, such as an ipod.

A. Have you tried connecting the mp3 player to a different port?
B. Have you installed any software/drivers that may have come with the mp3 player on a cd? Most software is available for download if you have lost a cd or the mp3 player did not come with one. Most mp3 players do not require software to access and load music.

If you get an error message"Insufficient power to operate USB device" when you plug a USB deviceinto the computer's USB port, then this device is drawing excessive currentthat the USB port cannot supply. In case such as this, youneed to purchased a powered USB hub and connect this hub into the computer'sUSB port and then connect the USB device into this powered USB hub.

When you use the computer to charge your player, If the computer enters sleep mode, The usb power shuts down. A better option is to buy a wall charger from ebay for around $7. It will charge much faster than a usb port.

Hello

I am not saying that this is the correct solution, but is works for me each time. Just plug the mp3 player into one of the usb ports on at the back of your computer case.

One other thing you can try is:

Simply UNPLUG YOUR COMPUTER FROM THE POWER SUPPLY. Yes that’s it! Note that this does not mean just turning off your computer because modern computers don’t really turn off when you press the power button as the motherboard still gets power.
First to explain, the motherboard is where all of hardware of the computer is connected to, including the USB ports. Sometimes the motherboard needs to be “rebooted” also because something can go wrong, i.e. all your USB ports suddenly stop working. The small microprocessor on the motherboard will reload the drivers and your USB ports should be back to recognizing all devices!
So first turn off your computer using Shut Down or pressing the power button and then UNPLUG it from the wall outlet. Let it sit for about a minute and then plug it back in.

Hope this can help you in fixing that pesky “USB device not recognized” Windows error!

Kind regards
Andrea

Some USB devices draw too much current from the computer's USB port and you get an exceed power error message.
To get around this problem, get a powered USB hub and connect it to the Computer's USB port and then connect the troublesome USB device into the powered USB hub.

Agreed, CosmaP. Just had a chat with the fellow and he seemed very unhappy with that solution.

This problem could occur if one or more USB devices are drawing more power than the USB port can deliver.
You can purchase a powered USB 4 port hub and connect it to the laptop, this would supply independent power and not draw power from the laptop.