diff --git a/common/usb.c b/common/usb.c
index b1b7aec..0857494 100644
--- a/common/usb.c
+++ b/common/usb.c
@@ -72,6 +72,8 @@
 static int asynch_allowed;
 static struct devrequest setup_packet;
 
+char usb_started; /* flag for the started/stopped USB status */
+
 /**********************************************************************
  * some forward declerations...
  */
@@ -110,10 +112,12 @@
 		printf("scanning bus for devices... ");
 		running=1;
 		usb_scan_devices();
+		usb_started = 1;
 		return 0;
 	}
 	else {
 		printf("Error, couldn't init Lowlevel part\n");
+		usb_started = 0;
 		return -1;
 	}
 }
@@ -124,6 +128,7 @@
 int usb_stop(void)
 {
 	asynch_allowed=1;
+	usb_started = 0;
 	usb_hub_reset();
 	return usb_lowlevel_stop();
 }