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USB ports not working, but still have power...

I have an EVGA nForce 650i Ultra motherboard and none of my USB ports are recognizing anything I plug into them in Windows. The ports still have power however since I was able to charge my iPod and when I plug in my external hard drive, the power light comes on. I do not get an error message. I have done the following troubleshooting so far and nothing is working:

* removed all instances of USB devices in device manager and re-booted; they re-installed but still no luck
* shut down and unplugged PC for a minute or so and re-booted
* re-installed my chipset drivers
* I downloaded and ran USB Verifier (USBCV R1.3.2) from usb.org and am getting "Test suite failed" and the following data:

Microsoft Windows XP (Build 2600)
Service Pack 3.0
USBCommandVerifier.dll ver 1.3.2.0
TestServices.dll ver 1.3.2.0
StackSwitcher.dll ver 1.3.2.0
Intialization - A device was not found. Please make sure that you have one plugged in.
If you are testing a full/low speed device, please connect the device to a USB 2.0 high speed hub and connect the USB 2.0 high speed hub to the USB 2.0 host controller on this system.
Summary Log Counts [ Fails (0); Aborts (0); Warnings (0) ]

I have XP SP3 and all current updates installed. I realize that the USB functionality on the motherboard could be broken, but before I can accept that, I'd like to make sure I have tried everything.

Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Brian

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

willcomp

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PCBONEZ

I agree with willcomp's method.

There are 4 [or 5] wires to USB.
2 - data
1 - +5v
1 [or 2] - Ground

The data lines go through a communication chip that needs drivers.
The power lines usually don't.

If the USB drivers are amuck then the communication chip won't work.
The communication chip can also be turned off (usually in BIOS) or simply be broken.
[willcomp's plan will help determine this.]
Depending on the board's design you may or may not have USB -power- in any of those situations.
.

Mohamed Osama

If the ports used to work alright, then suddenly stopped functioning, this can indicate that your PSU is failing
I have seen this occur when the Power supply unit is leaking juice, you can try changing the PSU for testing purposes and see if the devices are detected properly.

Brergo

ASKER

I'm going to give willcomp's suggestion a try. I created a Knoppix disk, but it won't boot from it for some reason. I downloaded the .iso and burned it using Nero. I'll have to figure that our before I move on.

Admin3K- If the USB's do not work in Knoppix, it could still be a PSU issue right?

Brergo

ASKER

Ok, as I type this I am using Knoppix (pretty cool!). Anyway, does Knoppix automatically recognize USB devices as in windows? In other words, if I plug my external HDD in, will it automatically show up? Is there the equivalent of Device Manager so I can look to see if the OS see's the USB ports?

So far, I have plugged in an external HDD and my Blackberry and nothing happens (other than they are getting power). This doesn't sound good does it?

willcomp

Yes, Knoppix will automatically recognize flash drives, USB hard disks, and most other USB devices.

Brergo

ASKER

Ok, so my USB's aren't working on the mobo... could changing the power supply out like Admin3K suggested possibly rectify that? The USB's are working to charge and power devices so I'm kinda thinking it isn't a PSU issue, but what do you all think?

willcomp

You can try another PSU but I don't think it will help. Since you can charge an iPod, there should be plenty of 5VDC power to ports.

Brergo

ASKER

I think I will sleep on it and decide tomorrow. I may try a PCI to USB addon card since I have 3 free PCI slots. That is probably easier and cheaper than a PSU. I'll keep you all posted and award points tomorrow. IF anyone thinks of anything else in the meantime, let me know.

PCBONEZ

Yes it sounds like USB chip is dead.
Add-in card is probably the best solution.

If PSU is so bad it's killing chips other chips are soon to go.
If you have doubts about your PSU you should replace it.

I think it's more likely the port got zapped when you or someone plugged something in.
If you aren't deliberate about it or the fit is sloppy it's possible to short the +5v to a data pin and that would do it. Bad wiring in a USB gadget or cable could do it too.

Brergo

ASKER

I put a PCI - USB card in and it works. I must've blown out the USB chip on the mobo somehow. Thanks.