UNKNOWN DEVICE

I would right click and go to properties and try to find a hardware ID or something like that to identify what Windows thinks it is.  I've had something like this happen with random odd onboard ports that I could never find drivers for.  Worst case scenario you could find out how to remove it using reg edit but I'd suggest you live with it long before attempting that...

Find out what it is and that will make it easier to correct.

Is this a laptop?  If so, its probably related to some security feature of the laptop.  However, as atechnicnate suggested, if you can give us the device ID (right click item in device manager - select properties - select details) then we can figure out what it is and correct the issue.

is there a memorycard reader in the printer?  probably something like that
if you post the printer model we can check

Right-click the 'unknown device' in Device Manager and choose Uninstall.

With the exception of "Callandor's" suggestion, everything suggested thus far has been tried and failed. "Unknown Device" is identified as "Unknown," "Unavailable," and "Universal serial bus controllers."

Rather than removing USB drivers from the Device Manager, I will attempt the following:
{a} shut down the PC
(b) disconnect the USB Hub (the one with my External HDs). Yes, I know I won't have access to them.
(c) Inspect Device Manager and see what it sees. (UNKNOWN DEVICE should not be seen).
(d) Reboot the computer and, one a time, reconnect each device to the main USB hub and see how Device Manager responds.

So far, unfortunately, nothing suggested seems to be the answer to the problem. I will try this step and see what happens.
Of course, any additional and further recommendations are very heartily welcomed and appreciated.
Talk to you soon.  Thanks!  GadgetDude

That is one way to possibly identify it.  If you check the various tabs you should be able to get at least a hardware ID for us to work with.  So same basic idea.  You're going to ID it based slowly ruling things out where we were thinking of trying to figure it out without having to disconnect anything but either way should yield the same basic results so nice idea.  Let us know what you find!

The only "ID" I found was "Universal serial bus controllers."

However, and most importantly, doing what I said I would do in my last posted comment, something very interesting has turned up (which I will further investigate tomorrow):

After connecting the USB Hub, I continued to closely monitor Device Manager as I reconnected each USB external drive to the hub. Finally, I got to the last drive (Let's call it "G") and "Unknown Device" reappears in Device Manager.  So I found the problem, right?  WRONG!
This is where, in my opinion, it gets really weird:
(a) unplugged the USB "G" drive to the hub and; of course, "Unknown Device" disappears.
(b) Now, if "G" drive is disconnected, it should disappear and not be accessible because it is "disconnected".
(3) THE REALLY WEIRD PART: "G" Drive is STILL accessible and visible ( transferred files from it). So how could something disconnected still be accessible?
SOLUTION: The USB connector plugged into the USB hub (although labeled for Drive "G" is, in point of fact, connected (or not) to something else which causes "Unknown Device".

Tomorrow, I will follow that cord and find out what it is connected to. I am not an "Expert" as you distinguished members are, but I think I might have found the problem: a mislabeled USB connection.   I will find out tomorrow and keep you posted.
Again, Thanks!   GadgetDude

As for I'd we meant right click on the unknown device. Then click the various tabs and drop downs and look for a device id

can you answer my post also?
is there a memorycard reader in the printer?  probably something like that
if you post the printer model we can check

The device ID will look something like this, USB\VEN_1000&DEV_0001&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02.
Find the unknown device in control panel->system->device manager and right click it and select "properties".  Click the "details" tab and the number should be there.  You may have to click the drop down and select "hardware IDs".

Typically, if it's an 'unknown device' the ID won't show up on the Details tab... only in msinfo32 (aka orb->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->System Information) Components->Problem Devices as noted in http:#a37774943

Hey Darr247, that's not true.  Unknown devices IDs do show up under details.

nobus:
 I did not intentionally disregard any advice or comments you have given.  Mea Culpa! To answer your question: yes, there is a memory card read in the printer; but, that is something I have never used.
Thank You.   GadgetDude :)

Hi, Everyone!
I hope I didn't start the "E-E" version of "Family Feud" here. (LOL)
You are all really great people.
Bottom Line: Problem Solved.
Details: It appears that the "Unknown Device" was showing up because of both a faulty connection of the External HD to the USB Hub; as well as, a mislabeling of, at least, this device. So, when I connected it to the USB, it couldn't be found because the wrong connector was plugged into the USB Hub (Duh!).
As I said, and I will say it again, you are all really great people.
Shortly, I will be rewarding points to those members whose guidance, advice, and comments came closest to helping me solve the problem.
As Michael Coreleone said, "It's not personal, it's just business." LOL

With gratitude and thanks, GadgetDude.  Peace! :)

What was found was not only a solution; but, guidance as well. What I learned from this is: anytime you make changes from your system (External Drivers, Printers, UBS or whatever, do 2 things: (a) make sure all the connections are correctly done - and labeled (what connector goes to what device); and, (b) make sure that the device(s) you install or upgrade, do not have a negative impact on your PC.  And in my case, if there's a problem with my PC, there will be a problem, by extension, of the Home Network I have built.
I know I sound redundant; but, I always make a great effort to THANK EVERYONE even though I may or may not apply the information given.
THANK YOU!!!!!   GadgetDude :)

thanks for feedback - i asked it because it is often "an unknown device"

YOU ARE VERY, VERY WELCOME!

I Bid You Peace & Many Blessings.
GadgetDude :)

no problems  - you're welcome !