[G4] G4 refuses to recognize printer and scanner

[Anthony Kluck]

Hi experts,

After I upgraded to OS X 10.3.9 from OS 9.2.2 back in May I began 
having difficulty getting the Mac to recognize my printer and scanner. 
I downloaded the appropriate drivers from the Epson site for my 1270 
inkjet and 1200U Scanner, and was able to use both scanner and printer 
until last week. Now, the G4 won't recognize either printer or scanner 
at all, whreas I was able to get both to work (I was scanning in 
Photoshop 7 (OS X native) and printing from both Photoshop and Quark 
4.1 (Classic).

I should mention that before the Mac stopped recognizing the printer 
altogether, the inkjet would someimtes get part-way through a job and 
then quit; the printer-status window would state that the Mac stopped 
sending the job. Reason unknown. These were not particularly large or 
complicated jobs, either. I used to print similar work without issue on 
the inkjet in OS 9.

I keep running System Optimizer X to repair permissions, clear the 
cache, and do all sorts of other maintenance tasks hoping it will "fix" 
something the way it often does when Mail hangs on launch 
(inexplicably), but no luck.

Both pieces of equipment worked fine previously, and aren't "worn-out", 
so I'm really flummoxed by this. I've looked over the obvious, and now 
I'm in need of expert assistance. As stated, the printer and scanner 
are both in very good shape; the cables check out, etc.

Anyone have any ideas of what's wrong -- and of any preventive 
maintenance I can perform to prohibit this in the future?

Thanks in advance,
Anthony
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Power Mac G4 (AGP)
CPU Type: PowerPC G4  (2.9)
Number Of CPUs: 2
CPU Speed: 450 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB
Memory: 640 MB
Bus Speed: 100 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.2.8f1
HD Capacity: 38.34 GB
Hitachi DVD-ROM GD-7000
Iomega ZIP 100
Fantom 80 GB Firewire HD
EPSON 1200U Scanner
EPSON 1270 Inkjet Printer
OS X 10.3.9

PS: I haven't even tried to install my Pioneer 109 yet what with all 
the trouble I've been having in the past weeks with the Mac hanging on 
apps and now not recognizing my scanner and printer...one of these days 
I'll get around to that.