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Only one USB port - Error Message: USB Device Not Recognized

This laptop is a Dell Inspiron 6400 with 4 USB ports in all.
Recently, most notably, after I upgraded the drivers listed in the Dell site, one of my USB ports started giving this "device unrecognized errors". It comes for flash drives whereas the USB mouse doesn't even elicit that response too. It just doesn't give even a beep sound for device plugging.
But, the mouse gets powered on (from the laser light-optical mouse). I have tried uninstalling USB hubs and controllers from both normal and safe mode. restored BIOS settings to default.
Both the mouse and the flash drives work on rest 3 ports without any problem. Also, the faulty port was the most used, until now.
I want to explore all options before considering the BIG fresh install as I have a heavily customized OS (Win XP Sp2 with all latest updates).

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

JohnnyCanuck

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rid

One possible, repairable HW problem is foreign matter in the physical port... E.g. lint, hair, dust; something that prevents connection on the signal lines in the USB connector. A flashlight and a magnifying glass might be helpful.
/RID

nobus

you can also try a system restore to a previous date

rookie_in

ASKER

@JohnnyCanuck
wow! it never occured to me!! will try that out n let u know

@rid
will look into tat too

@nobus
don't have restores to tat date..

rookie_in

ASKER

Hey guys sorry for taking so long.

I booted the system from Ubuntu live cd and the USB failed again.

I called up Dell support and they asked me (after the usual stuff of trying to convince you everything is wrong on your part) to send in the laptop.

thanx again.