virtualbox.org

I have everything working on my windows guest except the usb ports.
When I bring up VirtualBox and click on Devices menu then USB devices
it shows the devices like the printer, wireless mouse, and so on but they
are all greyed out and I can't check any of the little boxes on the left hand
side of the devices. Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Please update your profile to show what the host is as well as the version and type of virtualbox you are using. Then we can help you.

Host Slackware Linux
VirtualBOx 3.2.10
Guest Windows 7

OK first the OSE version does not support USB. You would need to install the PUEL version form http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
This might be an issue for you because I don't know if the PUEL version is supported by slackware. (you should ask the slackware forum)
If it is you would need to uninstall the OSE version before you install the PUEL version.
If the PUEL version installs then you need to make sure that your login name is in the vboxusers group and if you have a USB printer that you want to share you need to be in the lp group as well.

Ok I made a mistake I am using PUEL version 3.2.10 r66986.

It has all the USB setup menu entries in it and it is showing the devices that are connected but they are greyed out in the menu.

Is your user name in the vboxusers group?
don't forget to put your user name in the lp group in you need to use USB printer.

Yeah it's in the user group. What I'm having trouble with is the im vid camera I use with skype.
It's attached and shows up in the menu but it's greyed out. What is strange is the mouse and
keyboard are both USB also but they are working ok in the windows guest but VirtualBox says
there is no USB connected.

The mouse and keyboard are shared resources and handled differently.
AFAIK the only requirement to be able to use USB (if you are using the PUEL version) is the vboxusers group.
If you added this you need to at least logoff and back in and maybe reboot.

Ok thanks.

Ok I have added myself to the vboxusers group.
I have rebooted my computer
I have read and read and searched the net looking for answers to this problem and still I can't get my Vbox to "ACTIVATE" the usb ports.

It sees the ports. When I right click on the little icon at the bottom right of the screen it has all the usb devices listed but I can't activate any of them.
I have a Sandisk Cruiser plugged in and it shows up at the bottom right under the little icon but it will not activate.

Does anyone have a suggestion? PLEASE!

Thanks