hey guys i finally got VMware installed on my linux box... and i installed windows XP

but this is what i dont get.. everything installed fine.. the only problem is the USB.. i turn on my USB printer.. boot up the virtual win xp.. and it doesnt detect the hardware.. i have to go to the back of my PC and unplug and plug it in for it to see.... then it works... i go to shut it down and restart.. and i go to print.. it says the printer is offline even though its on...
is there some feature i need to enable in vmware or something? or is this the process?