USB Ports not working
HP Pavilion a465c Desktop computer with a P4SD-LA motherboard won't read USB devices or media cards. This is the case with the ports on the front and in the back of the system. The usb devices get power, that is, the light in the mouse or flash drive comes on but the device is not recognized. I have performed a repair install of Windows XP, have run virus scans, malwarebyte, combofix, taken the RAM out one stick at a time and tried several different usb devices with no luck. I updated the BIOS, checked to see if the ports were disabled and even uninstalled and reinstalled all usb drivers. I am at my wits end. Please advise.
Thank you!
Robert
Thank you!
Robert
It sounds like you have already invested a bunch of time and you really need to find out if this is windows or the computer. Download this: http://puppylinux.org/main/Download%20Latest%20Release.htm which is an ISO file that you can burn to a CD - Boot from the CD and you will find a cool app called Puppy Linux and try your USB devices there. This should not take more than 15 minutes and you will know if this is Windows (most likely) or an actual computer issue.
Following on KPAYNE's suggestion, if the USB devices do NOT work with Puppy Linux, you know there is a hardware issue. If they DO work, Windows is suspect.
In the latter case, try the same test with Bart PE from http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
It is a very handy tool (bootable Windows XP on a CD) to have in any case. If the USB devices work there, you know it has to do with the particular installation of Windows that you have, not Windows in general.
In the latter case, try the same test with Bart PE from http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
It is a very handy tool (bootable Windows XP on a CD) to have in any case. If the USB devices work there, you know it has to do with the particular installation of Windows that you have, not Windows in general.
KPAYNE123: and CompProbSolv: have said my first advices i was thinking. Additionally you can try USB 1.0 devices. It looks like USB 2.0 device driver support problem. This problem is not common in these days. was several years ago. Try my advice if you having this problem despite you try first two advices without no solition. good luck.
ASKER
I tried the suggestions above and no USB devices were found.
If neither Linux nor Windows (two installations, HD and Bart) do not recognize any USB devices, I'd suggest it is one of the following (no particular order):
1) USB ports disabled in the BIOS (you stated you checked that, so not likely)
2) defective USB hardware in the computer (most likely)
3) odd USB hardware that doesn't have drivers included with either OS and what you updated to is incorrect (unlikely)
The fact that the rear ports have the problem eliminates cabling as an issue. (I'm assuming that the ports are directly connected to the motherboard, not through a cable.)
I should have mentioned that with Bart PE the USB device must be connected before you boot. That's one of the many limitations of Bart.
I would consider replacing the motherboard (expensive) or just working around it by installing a PCI USB card. They can be had for $10-20. I've had trouble with some of those, though. If I recall correctly, the NEC chip ones are pretty good where the Via (or is it Realtek) have problems.
1) USB ports disabled in the BIOS (you stated you checked that, so not likely)
2) defective USB hardware in the computer (most likely)
3) odd USB hardware that doesn't have drivers included with either OS and what you updated to is incorrect (unlikely)
The fact that the rear ports have the problem eliminates cabling as an issue. (I'm assuming that the ports are directly connected to the motherboard, not through a cable.)
I should have mentioned that with Bart PE the USB device must be connected before you boot. That's one of the many limitations of Bart.
I would consider replacing the motherboard (expensive) or just working around it by installing a PCI USB card. They can be had for $10-20. I've had trouble with some of those, though. If I recall correctly, the NEC chip ones are pretty good where the Via (or is it Realtek) have problems.
The advise that CompProbSolv gives you last is best. The Hardware is the problem. Make sure that you have an available slot and buy a USB card to fit that slot. The USB Controller chip on the Motherboard must be the issue. The ports will still provide power, but will not comunicate with software.
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