Thanks Ronbmy
The USB controller and root hub are listed and working correctly ( according to device manager ). If I uninstall them ME puts 'em back. Reinstalling drivers and unplugging/replugging cable connects the printer to LPT1 ( it's only option ), which does not work with USB connection. I have reinstalled the drivers for the printer, host controller, northbridge & southbridge, reflashed the BIOS, and ME itself, but it will not produce a USB option in printer preferences. The printer runs perfectly on a USB port on my laptop using XP. Could the problem be in the motherboard itself? because there aint much else to try.