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I initially loaded Ubuntu with no USB ports installed in my machine. I have now added a USB 2.0 port to the machine but I don't know how to get Ubuntu to recognize it. How do I get the support for USB added into the kernel?

Ubuntu 9.1

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what did you do to "add a usb2.0 port to the machine"? – quack quixote Dec 11 '09 at 0:06
    
Ubuntu 9.1 doesn't exist... 9.10? – Nathaniel Dec 11 '09 at 0:07
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Yes Nathaniel, because that zero makes all the difference in determining the issue – Brettski Dec 11 '09 at 14:38
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There is no need to do that. The kernel of Ubuntu is a fixed set of modules and all modules (which aren't already compiled into the kernel) are loaded as needed.

If your USB-Ports are not working, then there's another problem with them, and not Ubuntu not finding them.

If the port is installed right, use the dmesg command to see the latest messages of the system...plug in an USB-Device and check the output (or post it here or on a pastebin) of dmesg | tail for any clues what's wrong. If there are no messages in there regarding USB, then the ports are most likely not probably installed.

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Thank you Bobby for the straight forward answer. With a USB drive inserted I was able to use sudo fdisk -l and see the device. One of my finer id10t moments. – Brettski Dec 11 '09 at 14:37
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How do you know the USB port isn't being recognized? Did you try plugging any USB devices into it? Most likely it's a problem with the device and not the port.

Also, how did you add the port? Is this a desktop, and you added a PCI or PCIe card?

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