Looking For Computer Gurus!

I am need of serious help, I have asked everyone about this problem but no one has been able to help me.. I have been to every computer related store I could go in my area. read the manual, searched the web no help.

Here it goes:
I recently purchased a new headset (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1166235551781)
but the problem is the headset requires you to insert it into the USB port, so I stick it into the USB port, but the safely remove hardware icon doesn't appear.. I tried accessing the safely remove hardware program through the run program (RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll) but that doesn't show my headset.. I am unsure what to do, and don't want to break my new expensive headset.

Thanks

Does the headset work?
EDIT: Reviews on the site in your link say that there are a few problems (un)/plugging the headset.

Yes, the headset works perfectly. I am worried about damaging the headset though.

Firsy of all, you have to keep in mind that USB is a very general connection - most usb devices require you install some software BEFORE connecting the device, so your computer knows what to do w/ it. Secondly, if the computer doesn't even act like the device is inserted, then you need to try another usb port and/or check the device. USB is supposed to auto detect when a new device is attached, but if it doesn't then it's a problem w/ the port or device. It's one of the reasons I prefer legacy connections for some devices, such as headsets...

I wouldn't worry too much, its probably plug and play and doesn't need to be removed safely, I've never removed anything going through safely remove hardware since the times of win98. And as to not appearing in safely remove hardware I've currently got a USB keyboard, mouse and game pad plugged in and their not on the list.
If your really worried try reinstalling the latest drivers from Microsoft's site, and if still doesn't do it just remove it when the computer is shut-down.

I don't think you need to worry about damaging it. If you are really worried, you can just power down the computer, which will stop any process that is using the headset, and then unplug it, but I think that's overkill.

Yeah a headset doesn't hold any data ( afaik ) so unplugging it won't damage it.

I even pull my memory sticks out, just make sure you aren't r/w'ing.

The devices should be able to plug in and out. I have to maintain my keyboard, mouse, webcam, headset, cell phone connector, digital camera connector, and mp3 connector off four USB slots. I can pull and plug away freely with the devices still working. I can even unplug say, my mp3 player and it will still keep the memory of all the songs and all.

That safely remove hardware thing is just for us ( people who know stuff bout computers ) to laugh at people who believe it can actually be damaged if you pull those things out.

USB devices are designed to be "hot-swapped" and that little icon will be a rarity now. If you've read the literature that came with the headset and installed it according to any special instructions that it may have, then don't worry about it.

I guess maybe you don't have a USB mouse or keyboard or printer. If you did, you would notice that they don't pop-up the "safely remove hardware" thingy either.

What the "safely remove hardware" thing is referring to is that some devices - USB flash memory sticks, MP3 players, cameras, etc. - that involve transferring files, could possibly have files open, or be in the process of transferring files when you remove them. This could result in file corruption, so to "safely" remove them (that is, prevent file corruption), you should make sure that all files are closed and all file transfers are completed before you remove them.
It doesn't refer to any physical damage that could happen - as has been said, USB devices are designed to be "hot swappable" - that is, they are designed to be able to be plugged and unplugged without having to turn off the power.

I have one of those headsets and no unplugging it wont do it any damage. Pre USB 2 there was no 'safely unplug' icon anyway, that was something MS added when the release USB 2 support in the service packs, possibly their idea of humour, as has already been set USB is hot pluggable by design.

Alos, as has been set, you needed to install the software BEFORE plugging in the headset, as the instructions that come on the packaging with that headset say quite clearly, so if you didn't make sure you do now.

Anyway, enjoy as so far from my experience it's a really nice headset.

Wol

The "Safely Remove Hardware" thing is only for storage devices. It also shows up if you have a serial ATA hard drive. It won't show up for peripherals like a mouse, headset, keyboard, etc. It's perfectly safe to plug and unplug your headset to your heart's content.

As the above poster said, nothing will be damaged by connecting and removing the headset. That is really only for data storage devices.