usb adaptor for my headset

If the headset is not powered, you may be drawing too much from the USB port - a powered USB hub will help in this situation.

what do you mean drawing too much from the usb port?

USB ports are rated for 5v, 500ma.  Some manufacturers are a little loose about meeting this spec, so if a device draws a lot of current, it can shut down a USB port or even damage it, much like plugging too many appliances into an extension cord.

Callandor,

noted, sadly it only happens when i'm not using the computer.

I also notice sometimes when i unplug the usb to replug, the computer suddenly reboots it self. the usb adaptor was like a reset switch : (

what could be happening and what can we do to troubleshoot further?

unfortunately nothing is plug to the usb port except for the adaptor (for both desktop and laptop).

I would like to hear more, when you say get a powered usb hub, is this some extra thing we can buy or do you mean get a usb adaptor with a power plug?

-i'm thinking maybe windows 2000 is doing something to the ub ports when the computer isn't being used for a long period of time..

oh by the way when the connection is lost from the usb adaptor, and when i try to play some mp3 the sound comes out of the built-in sound card. which is very annoying.

hope this more information will help us in investigating..

noted, i'll go and try out the external usb hub. tyvm for the help i'll come back and let you know what happend.

let me consolidate the symptoms.

1. the usb GN netcom GN8110-USB loses it's connection to the computer(desktop and laptop)  when it's not in use for a period of time (very random at least once a day).
2. using windows 2000 for both laptop and desktop, both have each usb adaptors.
3. sometimes when unplug to initiate the conenction, the desktop tends to reboot it self.
4. when the connection is lost and i play some mp3 the sound comes out of the build-in sound card.
5. only the usb adaptor is plug on the ports.
6. the headset doesn't have any powerplug, it is plug and play.

Here's an example of a powered USB hub: http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-4-Port-Cable-Power-Supply/dp/B00004Z6KW - note the transformer, which provides its own power to the hub.

additional info I got fro mthe deviece manager

The Hub is self powered
Total Power Available is 500MA per port
HID-Compliance Mouse 100MA
USP Composite Device 100MA

One other thought too, if the machine is rebooting when you plug/unplug the device, it could be a corrupted USB driver... going back to my other statements, might be worth checking out that driver in parcitcular and updating/repairing as needed...