Microsoft: Win8 does not currently support USB 2.0/3.0 devices

Microsoft recently confirmed that users may encounter problems when using the Windows 8 Build 8102 Milestone 3 Developer Preview, such as when using USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices.

Windows 8 will natively support the USB 3.0 standard and is perfectly compatible with USB 2.0. However, since the developer preview version is only an early development version of Windows 8, the driver is not perfect and therefore it is still not able to achieve good support for USB 2.0/3.0 devices. Microsoft pointed out: "USB display devices will not be able to achieve their functions, whether they are connected to a USB 2.0 port or a USB 3.0 port. If there is a new driver, you can try it out, perhaps to solve this problem."

Some Windows 8 Developer Preview testers may also experience situations where USB peripherals cannot be used. "Mouses and keyboards connected to the computer's USB 3.0 port via add-in cards (not directly integrated on the motherboard) may not be able to wake the system. You need to wake the system with a mouse or keyboard. First make sure they are connected to a USB 2.0 host controller or USB 3.0 host controller that is integrated on the motherboard."

If your device is plugged into a USB 3.0 port and you can't use it, try plugging it into a USB 2.0 port, which is also a solution. "Some devices may not be recognized when connected to a USB 3.0 port. If you are unable to obtain a new driver at the moment, then trying to connect them to a USB 2.0 port may solve the problem."