/ BIOS fails to save changes

BIOS fails to save changes

Kat Delong The keyboard is a PS/2 so does not come with a driver. If I go into BIOS on startup and select keyboard and then Exit and Save, the keyboard works. But when I boot again it does not. Also since I re-installed Windows, it does not see my MP3 player connected using USB. If I connect to USB1 I get a message saying it can go faster, but under Explorer it can’t be seen - it could before I reinstalled Windows. I have removed and added the driver (Zen Micro) but it still does not work. Any ideas?

Let’s take each issue separately, starting with your BIOS issues. When the BIOS doesn’t save changes, it is usually a symptom of a problem with the CMOS battery. Have you noticed any issues with the time or date on your system? That is another primary symptom of CMOS battery failure.

CMOS Battery

CMOS stands for Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, and the CMOS battery allows the BIOS to save the setup. If the battery isn’t working properly, the BIOS setup will keep resetting every time power is lost, primarily those settings for date, time and setup parameters. Most CMOS batteries are flat, round lithium batteries. You can try either removing the battery and clearing the CMOS for a minute or two and then replacing it, or just changing out the battery altogether. CMOS batteries can last anywhere from two to ten years depending on use and the particular battery. They don’t cost much to replace - under $20 - and all it requires is getting into the computer case and popping the battery out. There is a comprehensive tutorial on changing a CMOS battery including a photograph so you can see what one looks like at the website ComputerHope.

USB Port

For the problem you’re having with the USB port and the Zen, I’m basically going to throw some ideas out at you and see if something sticks.

I’m assuming you’ve tried all of your available USB ports - does anything else work in that port?
Go to Device Manager. Find Universal Serial Bus controllers. Uninstall any devices that are listed. Restart the computer and allow it to load any drivers that are associated with it. Keep the Device Manager open and see if it is detected when you plug in the Zen.
It could be a power issue - sometimes devices that won’t work on older USB 1.1 ports may only work on 2.0 ports. You can get a splitter so that you can plug it into two ports at one time for more power.
I’ve heard of Zen devices having issues with Windows Media Player 11 - what version do you have installed? If you are using 11, try deleting it and rolling back to version 10 or even 9. That has worked for some users.
Have you tried a Reboot for the Zen? This may cause you to lose the data that is on the device, but if all else fails, it might be worth a try. Plug the Zen into the computer and hold down the Power button. Press Reset twice - this may take a long time to load. You will see a list of options - choose Reboot. Once it has stopped running, the computer should recognize the Zen.

Hopefully, changing the CMOS battery and tweaking the Zen will help you get everything up and running. If you’re still having problems, let us know.