I have a 3 year old sansa e280v2 that whenever plugged in to usb brigs up message "power surge on hub port". it will not charge.

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.

Either drivers became corrupted and you need to restore your computer to an earlier time then restart it. Or that USB port went bad on the motherboard. Or your operating system got a virus and will have to be redone

Remember the help below is only a fix for seeing the error message not for overdrawing the port.

To stop overdrawing the port you need to either use a power supply or a double USB cable.

To prevent seeing the USB Power Surge alert message, complete the following steps:

Click on START, Click on CONTROL PANEL, Double-click on the SYSTEM icon, Click on the HARDWARE tab, Click the DEVICE MANAGER button, Click the "+" next to Universal Serial Bus Controllers to expand the selection.,Right-click and select PROPERTIES on the Intel® USB UNIVERSAL HOST CONTROLLER (not the USB Root Hub),Click the ADVANCED Tab, Check the box that says: "Don't tell me about USB errors"

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/thomas_b83e841f114394f4

unplug your mp3 player immediately!! it will fry your mp3 player if you leave it plugged in!! try adjusting the player's settings and seeing if there is somewhere to switch it from '1000mah' to '500mah' or lower. try that. if it still gives the error try a different usb port.

Use a powered hub, one that has it's own power supply.

Hello mandag78,

The error message you are talking about occurs when a device tries to draw more power from the USB port then the port can provide,

Make sure you are connecting the MP3 player directly to a USB port on the computer or a USB hub that has an independent power source (one that you plug into an electrical outlet). If you are plugging your MP3 player into a USB keyboard or a non-powered hub the port may not have enough ower to charge it.

I am assuming tha tthe Zen was working before? And that you are sing the exact same USB port and cord that you were using to charge the item previously? If so, then what you are experiencing might be a sign that the unit has failed and is in need of repair.

Best Regards,
Ken
"Go Ahead. Use Us."

go to the setup and disable usb ports.. it wd fix it...

BUDDY FIRST TELL ME TYPE OF USB DEVICE U CONNECTED PREVIOUSLY. THEN COMES SOLUTIONS.

Hi there. This message would indicate any one of the following: 1. You have a lot of USB devices plugged in to your computer, and the maximum power supply for the USB ports has been exceeded by plugging this player to your computer. It would be best if you unplugged 1 or 2 of the USB devices connected for the time being. 2. You are plugging the player on your front USB port, and may need to plug it in the rear USB port to acquire ample power supply (front USB ports do not get as much power as the rear USB port -- sad but true) 3. You are using a laptop and may need to try another USB port on that computer. Purchasing a self-powered USB hub would be ideal as it gets its power supply directly from the wall electrical socket.