DVD writer problems

[patemm]

I have a Mac G5 running Leopard OSX.5.8, and recently bought a Samsung DVD writer, which is powered from two USB ports on my Mac. The problem has just recently arisen whereby if I turn on my Mac with the DVD writer connected it disables all my sound settings! This includes i-Tunes and any sound preferences, which appear "Greyed out" in the sound preferences window, and I'm unable to alter any of the settings at all.
If I then plug in my writer AFTER start-up everything works as normal. Would any of you guys have any ideas on what might be causing this, and if so how to overcome this problem?

 

[oowf]

My response won't be much help but I have the same problems with an Epson Scanner. If it's connected and on when I boot up, I loose sound and ability to record. Sure doesn't make sense but I just leave it disconnected and off when I boot and there is no problem

I can't tell you why this happens... a quirk of Apple I think...

I've had other issues with USB connected devices... which all seem to be quirky not necessarily real problems....

Wish I good help you more here!

 

[profcah]

I will bet this happened right after an update, correct? Maybe an iTunes update?

I had a similar problem about a year ago; it came up right after one of the updates and I fixed it by going to Apple, downloading one of those massive "combined updates", updated again and the problem was fixed.

Good Luck!

 

[patemm]

Thanks for the help, guys . . .I'll give that a go and if no joy I'll just leave it out and connect when I need it.

 

[Kaveman]

If you have a G5, I would advise, leaving it just as it is, don't change a thing. Yes, plug as required.

The G5 is one of the few models I will always advise, move up ASAP, its going to die and horribly. Ensure you have all your Documents, esp your photos and movies backed up, NOW!

A MacMini and a cheap Monitor (you have a mouse and keyboard) is far far far better than a G5.

 

[patemm]

Thanks for the info, Kaveman. I can't afford a new Mac right now, but will take your advice and back up any photos I have on this machine. Fortunately most of my pics, etc. are backed up on discs already, so it's not a problem.