G5 can't see Apple USB Modem?

[Speedy]

I have a 2.3 GHz dual G5 running 10.4.11. I just bought an Apple external USB modem (actually, I bought two identical modems) because this G5 didn't come with a built-in modem and I need dial-up access.

Plugging into various USB ports on the front and back of the computer (including rebooting) do not show the USB modems either in via Network preferences or the System Profiler. I have unplugged everything else USB so nothing is plugged into any USB port save for the Apple keyboard and Apple mouse. I do not have Airport on this computer. Either modem will show immediately as new network hardware on all three of our Intel iMacs running 10.5.x.

Any ideas short of upgrading to 10.5.x? Google and Apple's discussion list were no help.

Thanks!

[space-time]

I cannot find the Apple USB Modem on apple's site, I wanted to check the tech specs to see if ti requires an Intel mac. But I don't see why it would require an Intel mac, I think it should work with a G5 or even a G4.

Seems like you did some basic troubleshooting and the modems are OK, and seems like the next step would be to try a new user account on the G5. Also reset the PRAM just to see if that helps.

good luck

[TheTominator]

Technically there is the possibility that it will require an Intel Mac.

I suspect that is a Mac version of a WinModem which requires the computer's CPU to handle most of the processing tasks instead of being an old fashioned, actual smart modem that does the real stuff on its own.

The drivers may be Intel-only.


Edit:
If this Apple USB modem
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA23915?viewlocale=en_US
is the one you are using, then my guess was wrong. G5 Macs running 10.4.2 or later are supported.

[clay]

It does not require Intel:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA23915?viewlocale=en_US

[Ken Sp.]

Do the USB ports work for other devices?

I would Zap the PRAM on boot hold down the Command(Apple) key & Option & P & R let it chime/bong at least 5 times then release all 4 keys.

Repair permissions also might help.

Try a new user account

[JEBB]

I've had what I thought were hardware problems solved by running Cocktail:

[Speedy]

Thanks to all, I will give these suggestions a try. Of note Apple no longer carries the item although they can be had cheaply on eBay ($15).