Mbox 2 Not Recognized

[Wolfslain]

Hi, I recently [September 10th, '09] purchased an Mbox 2 w PTLE8 for my MacBook 13" (aluminum)
I have had no problems in the past with Mbox 2 recognition.
When launching Pro Tools LE 8 an error message pops up:
"Unable to locate Digidesign hardware. Make sure your hardware is connected and turned on. click 'OK' when the hardware is ready"
The Mbox is clearly connected directly into the Macbook USB slot [no hubs]
'Mic' LED indicators are only LEDs lit (USB LED not lit)
I have:
Mac OS X 10.5.8
2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
2 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 Memory

I have tried all USB slots on MacBook
I have tried clean uninstall of Protools 8, and subsequent re-install
System preferences > Digidesign Mbox 2, reads: "Unable to connect to Mbox 2" Firmware version: <not available>
I have tried unplugging every other USB tool I have save Mbox 2
To no avail

Need Protools to study for class, help!

[theo_celano]

i have exactly the same problem, please help!

[DigiTechSupt]

Have you tried any of the steps from the General Troubleshooting thread yet?

[Wolfslain]

I have tried some of the troubleshoot suggestions that pertain to my problem, such as trying a different computer, plugging in different ports, etc. recently, and have had no success

[echoplex]

I am having the same problem. Have either of you found a resolution yet?

[Obsidian Dragon]

Originally Posted by Wolfslain

Hi, I recently [September 10th, '09] purchased an Mbox 2 w PTLE8 for my MacBook 13" (aluminum)

Unrelated to your problem but the aluminum Macbook does not have a firewire port. One of the requirements for running Protools is to have a second hard drive other than your system drive for the audio session files. USB is not supported due to insufficient performance issues. For this reason, many have deemed the short lived aluminum Macbooks as not suitable for Protools. The same is true of the Macbook Air and the newest white Macbooks with rounded edges which lack a firewire port. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[echoplex]

Yeah - I knew about that. I bought my MacBook from a friend who ran ProTools on it previously (MBox Mini). He did use an external USB drive which I know is not "supported" but alas he had no problems. I figured I would take my chances...

Unfortunately I can't even get to the point where I can open a session. Still stuck with the "hardware not found" error when I try to launch. I got a version of 8 just to see if it would work...and of course it didn't. Still can't find hardware (even though it is showing as connected in the System Preferences.)

Wolfslain and theo_celano - did you buy your Mbox's new or used? I got mine used and am starting to think it is a lemon I've tried everything in the general troubleshooting an nothing has helped.