Nikon Coolscan - Not recognised by computer

I've just bought a second hand Nikon Coolscan V (LS-50 ED) scanner. I've connected it to several computers (Windows XP , Windows Vista 32 bit and Windows 7 64 bit). None of these computers recognise that this scanner is connected to it (i.e. no 'beep' and no USB connection icon appearing). The scanner is switched on and I've tried 2 different USB cables. I've checked device manager and I've installed Nikon Scan 4 and also Vue Scan. But no success. Just keep getting 'unable to find any active devices'. Any suggestions appreciated.

Did it come with a cd? It just sounds like a driver is wanting. Not every peripheral is plug'n'play. Just go to the Nikon site and search for drivers
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Qliqqety Qliqq!

Thanks for your ideas. I just tried it again. Downloaded the Coolscan driver (for LS-50) from Nikon UK's support site. Extracted the zipped file. Hit install for the 2 files which looked like setup files (1 in each of the 2 extracted folders). Switched scanner on. Waited for computer to tell me scanner was there - but still nothing. Downloaded the correct VueScan file (Windows XP machine) and this time I told it the driver was already installed. (Previously I'd told it to install the drivers itself). Opened up VueScan but it still tells me no scanner is connected.

I've got this scanner and it has worked okay for many years with XP. Nikon didn't introduce any drivers for Vista or Win 7 for this (or any other?) scanner. If it was me, I would clear the decks and download the driver for XP again, hopefully it will work. If it still fails, consider contacting Nikon. They are extremely helpful.
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Howard Routledge
Carlisle UK

Is it giving a self-test failure flash at start-up? My Coolscan 4000 recently quit working. No idea why - I had gotten it to work under Windows 7 64-bit for a while, by modifying some files per online instructions.

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Craig
http://www.cjcphoto.net

I have an LS20 connected to my Vio and have no problems, ,maybe your cable is faulty, they can be bought in most good computer shops..

Appreciate the suggestions everyone. Tried Nikon UK support and they were very helpful but they reckon the scanner is faulty even though I explained to them - the self test light blinks slowly and then goes steady after about 30 seconds (which suggests everything should be o.k.). I've tried 3 different USB cables - so I've ruled out a faulty cable. Contacted eBay themselves and they have got the seller to agree to a refund. I was really looking forward to using the scanner as I have quite a number of 35mm slides I'd really like to digitise. Although I use Nikon cameras, this experience has put me off trying another 2nd hand Coolscan. I'm now thinking a brand new Plustek 7600 might be a better bet (at least I'll have a warranty with it).

Sounds like your computer USB ports may be at fault, have them checked out that they have been assigned.
If you have done what you say, then the new scanner may not work either..

Did you undo the transit screw...

It is possible that the original owner had replaced the screw, it is put in the machines when they leave the factory to stop everything getting damaged inside the unit, if the seller had put it back, the machine will not work at all..
Ooops!

Thanks Ian for your suggestions. I didn't know about the transit screw. However, I don't think it can have been that. The scanner was making 'whirring' sounds like (I think) most scanners do at start up. I've now got my refund but it's still put me off trying another 2nd hand scanner.