ok, thanks for trying. i've had this computer for around 3 years, so it doesnt make sense to have a hardware conflict all of a sudden
regarding the "port not a high-speed port", hp said that
"This message can occur when:...A high-speed device is connected to a hi-speed USB 2.0 port, but the connection is poor (cable too long, inferior cable type, low power situation)."
possibly my cables got worn out?