Why won't my computer recognize my printer when I plug it into the USB?

​Hi ChelseaRobinson,

I would like to know some information about the issue so that we could assist you further.
1. Did the issue start recently?
2. Was it working fine earlier?
3. Do you get any error code or error message while connecting the printer?
4. What is the make and model number of the printer?
5. Have you tried connecting to a different USB port?

If you have not tried connecting the printer to a different port, then I would suggest you to try connecting to a different port and check.

I would suggest you to try the following methods and check if it works for you.

Method 1:
Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter and check if the issue persists.

Follow the steps to run the troubleshooter:

a. Press Windows key + C on your keyboard to show the Charms bar.

b. Type Troubleshooting and click Troubleshooting under Settings.

c. Now type Hardware Troubleshooter in the search option.

d. Click on Hardware troubleshooter to run the troubleshooter.

Method 2:
Try updating the chipset drivers from the manufacturer's website and check if it helps.

Please reply with more information about the issue, so that we could help you better.

Click on the Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Devices and Printers\Add Printer, try to Add the Printer via the prompts.

If that does not work, use the supplied CD or DVD, or a Setup program from the manufacturer's web site and install the Printer.

Do you have a Setup CD/DVD for the Printer?  Have you installed the Software for the Printer?

Is it a Canon Pixma iP2600?  If so get the correct Windows 8 software and drivers from Canon.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/printers_multifunction/pixma_ip_series/pixma_ip2600#DriversAndSoftware

Worked fine until I updated to windows 10.  Tells me nothing is connected.  Thinking about going back to windows 8

no, do not have setup dd.  It id a HP 4280 deskjet.  when I got this computer plugged it in & put in name of printer and never had a problem ith it

See if you can install this Printer Driver and software to get you going.

HP Deskjet F4200/F4224 All-in-One Printer series Full Feature Software and Driver
http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-Deskjet-F4200-All-in-One-Printer-series/3390945/model/3390948

After downloading try right-clicking on the actual Driver.exe (above) and selecting the "Run As Administrator" option?  Do so even if your user is an Admin.