diff --git a/drivers/comedi/drivers/dt2815.c b/drivers/comedi/drivers/dt2815.c
index 03ba2fd18a21..7c642860f127 100644
--- a/drivers/comedi/drivers/dt2815.c
+++ b/drivers/comedi/drivers/dt2815.c
@@ -175,6 +175,18 @@ static int dt2815_attach(struct comedi_device *dev, struct comedi_devconfig *it)
 		    ? current_range_type : voltage_range_type;
 	}
 
+	/*
+	 * Check if hardware is present before attempting any I/O operations.
+	 * Reading 0xff from status register typically indicates no hardware
+	 * on the bus (floating bus reads as all 1s).
+	 */
+	if (inb(dev->iobase + DT2815_STATUS) == 0xff) {
+		dev_err(dev->class_dev,
+			"No hardware detected at I/O base 0x%lx\n",
+			dev->iobase);
+		return -ENODEV;
+	}
+
 	/* Init the 2815 */
 	outb(0x00, dev->iobase + DT2815_STATUS);
 	for (i = 0; i < 100; i++) {