I am having a problem with my USB ports?

Question

I have had probs before with the devices that I plug in not being detected and once reinstalling them helped but now I am getting nothing. I am plugging something in and it isn't even being recognized. Reinstall hasn't helped. Any suggestions?

P.S. My warrenty ran out before I could take it in to be checked (I was in online school and they take the laptop for a minimum of two weeks)

ARGH! This laptop was $1800 and I do not have the money to buy a new one. Not like this one anyways. It's four years old tho so I guess if that's the only problem I have it's not that bad.

Dammit, I just remembered for my online classes I HAVE to have my scanner hooked up :(

P.S. The first suggestion worked but I don't want to have to do this everytime. Oh well.

Answer 1

Have you tried restarting the computer with the device already in? Some computers are picky about having stuff plugged in while running.

Answer 2

Which Operating System are you using at the moment?

If we assume you're using Windows XP, the device should be detected automatically (especially if its a simple plug-n-play device such as a mouse). Certain hardware will require you to have a software ready, such as printers and web camera.

1) Hardware
To check whether there's any problems with your USB device (sometimes you may have disable it unintentionally, go to Control Panel to check your System (Start > Control Panel > System ), and go to the "Hardware" Tab.

Select "Device Manager" and under the diferent lists of devices, look out for "Universal Serial Bus Controllers". Right click that component, and select "Scan for hardware changes".

If that doesn't work, select the USB drivers listed under the same devices, and check whether you've disabled any of them. You can do so by double-clicking on the different 'items' listed there.

Answer 3

First, start up the device manager. Easiest way is Start->Run, then enter devmgmt.msc and click OK. You can also find it in the Control Panel->System.

If you see some devices that have yellow or red marks on them, these are probably your missing devices. You can either right-click on them one-by-one and choose update driver or, the easier way, just delete each on that has a red or yellow mark on it. It will give you a warning but no worry; they don't work anyway!

Next, I recommend rebooting. That way when the system comes up it will "find" the hardware again.

Make sure you have the drivers available when you do this.

Answer 4

In the Device Manager, click on the USB Root Hub. You should see a Tab that says Power Management. Uncheck the box that says turn off power to USB ports to save power.

Answer 5

Clean the connections and blow them out; restart. If not, you may have a hardware disconnect--broken, or jammed-in ports happen often. A port or knob can be slammed in or poked in and it breaks the circuit board inside--not easy to fix. If it ain't a laptop, crack it open and see what's up. If it's not broken like I said, there are probably blown out components. See if you can isolate and replace. If not, time to get a new computer. Even if you do repair it, the life of your computer is going down, down, down. Plan to get a new one soon.

Answer 6

u need to install usb 2.0 mass storage drivers.it is usually found on the operating system cd or the cd for the motherboard.it enables you to use any usb device other than installing drivers for every usd device you plug in.if it fails then i think they are spoilt.hardware is supposed to take 5years depending on how you use it.hope this helps you out

Answer 7

You didn't say the brand but I'll recommend this site http://www.usbman.com/Guides/Computers with Known USB Problems.htm