I'm using an older laptop that has USB 1 ports. The IDE won't recognize the arduino but it works fine on a more current computer. Does the arduino require USB 2 or later ports to program?
They seem to work best with USB 2.0.
USB 3.0 can cause a few issues too but that problems is dependent on the USB chip-set and its implementation.
There is also a work around for most USB 3.0 issues.
Not tried USB 1.0 so sorry I cannot help in that respect.