I am a new user of ARM. I have recently bought an ARM module. However, when I connect it to my computer, it recognizes an unknown device. Hence, when I use SAM-BA software to connect to my board, connection is unsuccessful. Should I install anything before connecting the board?

What version of SAM-BA?
What operating system?
What ATMEL chip?
What board?
What VID/PID is reported for the unknown device?

Without some points of reference it's hard to provide much assistance. A SAM-BA install should bring in everything it needs, but you're likely to need to have "administrator" rights.

Assuming an ARM7, may be you need to be sure that the chip has flashed itself with the SAM-BA loader.

You might want to try older/newer versions of SAM-BA. Older versions (2.07, 2.09) used a different connectivity method, and work well with XP. Only the very newest (2.11) version works properly with Win7.

If USB connectivity doesn't work, try the serial port, or use the JTAG with a SAM-ICE/J-LINK.

Thanks a lot for your guidance.
I have bought this (http://www.ecrater.co.uk/p/2024153/atme ... arm-header) module. I am using AT91SAM7S256 arm7 microcontroler. My OS is Windows Vista with SAM-BA version 2.9.
I have also tried windows XP but the same thing happens. The USB device is UnKnown. When I start sam-ba there are no connection in the connection list.What should I write in it?
I guess I should install a driver to make the pc recognize the arm7.
I am using a laptop and I do not have serial port to use JTAG.

Thanks again

So have you performed the TEST jumper procedure to load the SAM-BA loader onto device, right?

The SAM-ICE/J-LINK JTAG connects to a PC (desktop/laptop/netbook) via USB.
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools ... ol_id=3892

To do any kind of development/debugging on ARM devices you'll need a JTAG debug pod. The evaluation versions of Keil or IAR will work with the SAM-ICE, and support up to 32 KB of code. I'd recommend you try these and get an understanding of the process first, before switching to open-source tools, as the integration makes them easier to use.

For Vista I would be tempted to download the 2.11 version of SAM-BA
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools ... ol_id=3883

All I have done is installing ISP with sam-ba2.9, installing sam-ba 2.11 and connecting the usb to board. Then I receive a windows message of unknown device saying "one of the usb devices attached to this computer has mulfunctioned and windows does not recognize it". I tried installing the driver either automatically or by giving the samba driver folder in search area, but it was unsuccessful. When I run sam-ba there is no connection that I can choose from. I can not even start sam-ba. So, I have not loaded sam-ba loader to device. Should I install any USB driver?

Have you performed the TEST jumper procedure to load the SAM-BA loader onto device?

READ PAGE 14, SECTION 6.2
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod ... oc6175.pdf

The device requires a firmware on it that implements the SAM-BA/USB connectivity, without the correct firmware the PC isn't going to recognize the device.

Your remaining alternatives are to use serial or JTAG connectivity.