I'm trying to install a new printer. I've done this several times before using the parallel port. This is my first usb printer.

I have built kernel with usb printer support. Boot up log shows usbcore installs usblp. lsusb doesn't show the printer exists. It does show a memory stick when plugged into the same port, so port and usb subsystem seem to be working.

All the HOWTOs and FAQs on the subject seem to refer to linux 2.2 or 2.3. I'm using 2.6.23.

cat /proc/bus/usb/devices
reports No such file or directory

Groping through /sys/bus/usb shows no evidence of printer.

Rebooting with printer plugged in and turned on doesn't help.

I'm using udev. The relevant rule looks like this
BUS=="usb", KERNEL=="lp[0-9]*", GROUP="lp", NAME="usb/%k"
but I'm pretty sure that it's not being triggered because the kernel isn't seeing the printer.

Printer is Epson CX5500, but I suspect that's not relevant.

Any help will be appreciated.

Make sure the printer is plugged in and turned on. Make sure CUPS is running. Then click here:
http://localhost:631/

It should take you to a printer config page. Click "Add Printer" and go through the "wizard". Make sure to select the usb port where the printer is located and to choose the right driver for the printer (it technically should automatically choose the right driver for you)

I would like to say, "Don't be daft, I know enough to make sure of that."

However.

It turns out that the usb connector at the printer is very new and very stiff. Once I pushed it in HARD, the printer was visible. Problem solved.

(I feel not unlike a total twerp. Sorry to take the band width.)

1 members found this post helpful.

I had been scratching my head about the same problem.

It turned out my cable had wiggled loose.