Dennis Miller
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USB ports on desktop not working
I have 3 ports on the front of a P500 Lenovo Thinkstation that do not work. I have looked in the devices and there are no yellow caution notices. I can plug the same device to the ports in the back and they work? What might cause the ports on the front and again they are 3.0 USB ports, to not function.
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Agree with Eoin, if there are no device error messages and the ports have never worked there's a good chance the cable connecting them from the case chassis to the motherboard has not been plugged in - by the manufacturer. If you feel up to it open the case and check.
just to add sometimes there's power differences between front ports and rear ports. This can affect devices connecting successfully.
Did they ever work? Can you check BIOS settings - they may be disabled. Did you try with both USB2 and USB3 devices?
The USB port panel on the front is nothing else than an extension card which is connected to extension connectors on the motherboard. I have purchased myself such panel and connected it. Working well. Open the case and check if the cables from these ports are correctly connected to the motherboard.
We use Lenovo Desktop at clients (no other brands) and the front USB ports are very reliable so check the connections carefully.
ASKER
You both were correct. It was a cable. Once reseated it powered up. Thanks. Not only that but she was trying to connect a pencil sharpener with a USB connection and the ports are all USB 3 or 4. She is fine now. Thanks.
You are very welcome and I am glad the issue is resolved
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17614/automatically-diagnose-and-fix-windows-usb-problems