PCMCIA USB card question?

Question

I have a M45-S331 laptop with Windows XP. Neither of the USB nor the Firewire port work anymore. Replacing them or having them fixed is too expensive.

I am thinking of buying a PCMCIA card with USB ports. This is one I am looking at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PCMCIA-ExpressCard-4-PORTS-USB-2-0-HUB-Express-Card-NE-/300496248122?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f6f8dd3a

I want the USB mostly for a wireless mouse and thumb drives.

My question is what is the cable for? It looks like it would plug into an exiting USB and power the add on card to provide power to the USB ports there. But I don't know if the things I need require that.

I know hubs need to be powered. What else needs it? Since my USB ports are dead I can't power this device.

Thanks

Answer 1

Only needed for powered things like hubs. You shouldn't need it for what you mentioned.

Answer 2

i think of you're screwed my pal. you are going to might desire to p.c., wifi or usb 2.0. or you're able to take a seem at getting a usb wifi adapter. I have been given one on super sale from Compusa for $5.

Answer 3

Shouldn't need powering, I can't work out what it's for. I would send a message to the seller and ask.