The reasons for problems due to which USB ports on a laptop do not work can be completely different - from hardware failure to “lost” motherboard drivers or the controllers themselves.
However, usually the user can cope with most problems on his own, without turning to specialists - if he knows how to do it.
If there are a lot of USB ports on the laptop (for example, 3 or 4), the problem may not be so critical, and its solution can be postponed.
But if there are only 2 connectors or there is a constant need to use connected devices - flash drives, and even printers - the issue should be resolved as soon as possible.
Moreover, some methods will take no more than a few minutes.
First Troubleshooting Steps
A message that appears on the screen about the USB ports stopping working or the laptop not responding to a drive installed in the corresponding slot may indicate.
Sometimes you can solve them with a simple reboot - there is a small chance that the fix will happen automatically.
Increase the likelihood of the positive effect of a reboot, which actually sometimes helps, You can do it in a not quite usual way:
1 Completely disconnect the laptop from the power supply (if it was, for example, charging);
2 Remove the battery and leave the laptop in this state for about 5 minutes;
3 Insert the battery back and turn on the device.
If no messages about non-working ports appear on the screen, but the flash drive is still not readable or a peripheral device cannot be connected to the laptop, it is possible that the problem lies with this equipment.
The assumption is tested by connecting gadgets to other ports of the laptop - or to another computer.
Other USB devices
Another problematic situation with USB ports arises when a large number of external devices are simultaneously connected to the laptop.
For example, a user has already connected three gadgets to four ports ( , and ), and then tries to install a flash drive as well.
Sometimes such a drive simply will not be detected by the system - and turning off 1-2 peripheral devices allows you to check the assumption.
Simultaneously connect a large number of USB devices and adapters to the laptop.
Most often, this situation occurs not when connecting peripherals directly to the laptop, but when using a “hub” (USB hub that increases the number of connections).
You can solve the problem by reducing the number of connected devices - or even better, by removing the hub and connecting all gadgets directly.
Incorrect BIOS configuration
You can find a list of ways to solve problems with USB ports.
Sometimes using this interface it is possible to enable self-disabling controllers on the motherboard.
To activate, you need to perform several steps:
- Reboot the system while simultaneously pressing the function keys to enter the BIOS (for some laptops this is F1 or F2, for others - Del or Esc).
- Select the Advanced or Integrated Peripherals section.
- Go to the USB Configuration menu item and change the parameter value in the USB Controller section (there may be several of them with different names) to Enabled.
BIOS interface settings.
After a reboot, the hardware configuration on the laptop will change, and USB ports that were not previously recognized by the system may appear to be working.
System settings
A laptop running on battery power can automatically turn off some controllers to save energy - especially if it approaches critical values.
In this situation, first of all, you should connect the laptop to the network, and then change the power settings, by following these steps:
1 Open Device Manager.
2 Select the branch indicating serial bus controllers.
3 Find and open the USB root hub subkey.
4 Double-click the properties of the hub and go to the power settings.
If the problem was incorrect power consumption settings that caused the laptop to automatically turn off the ports, there will be a check mark here to allow the hub to turn off power.
By removing it, you can restore the functionality of the ports.
The steps are repeated for each hub if there are several of them on the laptop.
Prevents the system from turning off USB ports to save energy.
Driver problem
The problem may be - and in most cases it is - in problems with USB drivers.
You can find the problem by going to Device Manager(via computer properties or by typing in mmc devmgmt.msc).
It is possible that one of the ports is marked in the list with a special icon - a yellow triangle with an exclamation point, indicating that the equipment is not working properly.
You can try the problem solve in one of 2 ways:
- Try updating the drivers (preferably an Internet connection) in the properties of the USB controller.
- Remove the device marked with a yellow triangle from Dispatcher And restart laptop.
When using the second option, the system rebooted will try to install new software for discovered “new” equipment. Sometimes this will restore port operation.
For the first option, you may need to find out the ID number by which the corresponding driver is searched on the Internet - this identifier is located in the device properties on the details tab.
Determining the USB port ID.
The problem, which is the motherboard drivers not working properly (this usually happens with outdated laptops released several years ago), is solved by downloading and installing the appropriate software.
To do this, the laptop user first needs to find out - for example, use the AIDA64 application, which is paid, but works without entering a key confirming payment for a certain trial period.
The name of the device will help you identify and msinfo32 command, entered in the “Run” form (called by the Win + R keys).
Determining the name of the motherboard.
You can try to find drivers for the corresponding board on the website of its manufacturer - or on the resource of the company that developed the chipset.
You should know: If you don’t have the time and experience to find and update drivers, you can use the utility. After installation on the laptop, it will independently check and update all the necessary software. The disadvantage of using this method is that if you do not choose to manually configure updates, the application will automatically replace drivers for almost every part and even update some programs - this usually takes several hours.
A utility for searching and updating control programs and other applications.
Incorrect operation of the operating system
Replacing this part returns the port (or several connectors at once) to its normal state.
In order to encounter such problems as rarely as possible, the user should not connect a large number of USB devices to the laptop - especially using special splitters (“hubs”).
It is also worth enabling automatic installation of updates in the appropriate section of Windows - this usually allows the system to independently resolve problems with drivers.
This happens when USB ports on the computer stop working. In this article, we will look at common reasons that lead to this problem and solutions. The very first thing you can do is restart your computer, since frequent problems with USB ports are due to an error in the driver. If this method does not help, move on.
Perhaps the settings in the motherboard BIOS have gone wrong. If the corresponding USB controller is disabled for some reason, it must be enabled. When you start the computer, press the Del or F2 key to enter the BIOS. Next, in the Integrated Peripherals or Advanced section, we will find a similar item on the USB Controller and look at what position it is in (Enabled - enabled, Disabled - disabled). So, if you have the Disabled mode set, change it to the opposite. To save the changes, press the F10 key and agree by pressing YES. After the reboot, the ports should work, if that doesn’t help, then follow the steps below.
Reasons why USB ports on a PC do not work:
- Any USB device is faulty: I recommend turning on the computer, having first disconnected everything (mouse, keyboard, printer, webcam, etc.). Leave only one working flash drive. If the flash drive starts working when you start the computer, then the peripheral devices are to blame. You can determine which one is faulty by connecting it to the computer one by one.
- ports may not work due to faulty software code. Go to the “Task Manager”.
We look carefully in the “USB Serial Bus Controllers” section; if there is a device with an exclamation mark, this indicates that it is not working properly. Double-clicking the mouse will open it, and in the window you can read information about the fault.
- Alternatively, you can remove all controllers responsible for USB, and then reboot the system. After launch, Windows will automatically install them again. After this, it is likely that the USB ports will work.
- If the problem with the ports arose due to a failure in the program code, then you can try to restore the operating system, that is, roll it back to the last checkpoint. Go to the Start menu - Control Panel. Here we find the “Recovery” section.
Next, click the “Start System Restore” button. A recovery window will open and following the prompts you can roll back the system.
- Also, a similar problem may occur due to the lack of a driver for the motherboard chipset. In this case, you need to enter this data on the manufacturer’s website. After downloading and installing the driver, you should restart your computer.
- To make sure the problem is in the system or hardware, you can boot from any Live CD. If after booting from such a disk/flash drive the ports work, then the problem is clearly in the operating system and there is only one way out - reinstall Windows. If USB does not work in the virtual system, then the problem is in the hardware. In this case, we do what is written below.
There was a case with one friend when the USB ports stopped working. Replacing the 3-volt battery on the motherboard solved this problem.
- Alternatively, you can update the BIOS. This solution helps many users. To update the BIOS, go to the official website of your motherboard manufacturer and in the “Download” section, find the latest BIOS version. There you will also find detailed instructions for updating.
- If you experience frequent problems with USB ports, I recommend installing a PCI-USB controller. A good thing that will be independent of your built-in ports.
- The last option is to have your PC repaired, where professionals will probably make an accurate diagnosis.
That's all, friends! Thank you for your attention!
Of the many technologies that have had a major impact on the computer world, the advent of USB (Universal Serial Bus) is one of the most important. USB ports rarely cause any problems, but if they do appear, they are quickly resolved.
Let's look at the main problems with USB ports and methods for solving them:
The USB port is not working - what should I do?
Any hardware device interacts with the operating system through a driver. In most cases, the problem with hardware devices occurs due to installed drivers. The same goes for USB ports. Here are some ways to troubleshoot USB problems in software:
Just restart your computer
If the USB ports stop working, just try restarting your computer. If there are any problems loading drivers, then the next time you boot your computer, they will be resolved after a reboot.
Device Manager Update
If restarting the computer did not help, then . For Windows XP, click START -> Run and in the place where you enter the text, type devmgmt.msc. In the window that appears, right-click on your computer name and select Update hardware configuration.
Disabling the USB controller
Another way is to uninstall and then reinstall the USB Device Controller. To do this, run . Find USB controllers in the list that appears. Right-click on these controllers and delete them all. After removing all controllers, restart your computer. After restarting the computer, the USB controllers will be installed automatically.
Updating the USB Port Driver
Another possible reason for USB ports not working is damaged USB drivers. Find USB drivers on the motherboard manufacturer's website and install them.
Incorrect
Perhaps the USB ports are disabled in the BIOS. To enable them, go to the BIOS and find the USB port settings. You can learn more about the settings for your motherboard using the motherboard manual that came with your computer. Read the note about BIOS
USB technology is one of the most important of the many technologies that have made a huge impact in the computer world. USB (Universal Serial Bus- “universal serial bus”) - a serial data transfer interface for low- and medium-speed computer peripheral devices
This technology has made it truly easy and convenient to work with printers, scanners and external storage devices (external hard drives, USB flash drives). All actions with installing USB devices came down to a simple principle: “ Plug and play" Devices have become truly mobile precisely because of USB technology. Today, not only desktop PCs and laptops are equipped with USB ports, but also gaming devices, smartphones, cameras, navigators and many other devices.
Ports USB version 2.0 provide data transfer at speeds up to 480 Mbit/s, and the version USB 3.0 raises the maximum transfer speed to 5.0 Gbps. The USB symbol is a kind of trident, drawn both on USB devices and on computer connectors.
USB technology has already been studied quite seriously and has undergone many improvements, so USB ports, when used correctly, rarely cause any problems, and troubleshooting problems associated with them does not cause much trouble. This article will outline the basic principles of troubleshooting USB ports.
But before we begin, it’s worth describing basic recommendations when working with USB ports and devices, connected to them:
- never connect devices with visible mechanical damage to USB connectors, as well as devices with external damage to the case or with a clear burning smell.
If the USB ports on the motherboard are mechanically damaged, it is better to disconnect them from the motherboard (the connectors on the front of the case) or seal them with colored tape to prevent their use. If necessary, it is better to replace such ports in a workshop with new ones.
Try not to overload USB ports. Their current strength is strictly limited: 500 mA for USB 2.0 and 900 mA for version 3.0. Do not try to increase the number of USB ports using various USB multipliers. Modern motherboards already have up to 10 ports, which is quite enough for home use. It is always safer to buy an additional PCI or PCIe USB controller than to work through a USB “tee”.
If the USB ports on a laptop stop working, then working on it becomes very difficult - you cannot connect a printer, a scanner, or a flash drive. And unlike a desktop computer, installing an additional USB controller is very expensive.
In many cases, when the error message " USB device not recognized "The problem may be in the USB port. This problem is usually solved quite easily, since it occurs mainly at the software level.
What to do if the USB ports do not work?
Any hardware device interacts with the installed operating system through a special program - driver. Many problems with devices are solved with the help of drivers. The same is the case with non-functional USB ports. Below are several methods that will help you troubleshoot USB ports at the software level.
If the USB ports suddenly stop working and USB devices are not detected, then the easiest way to fix this sudden problem is to restart the computer. Just restart your computer. If there were no problems loading the drivers, this problem will be resolved after a reboot.
Update hardware configuration in Device Manager
If restarting the computer is not desirable at the moment (for example, because some important operation is being performed), then you can “reload” the drivers without rebooting the entire computer via device Manager. To launch it on the shortcut " My computer» right-click and select the menu item « Management e". Or in the menu " Start» find the program « Execute"and after launching it, enter the command devmgmt.msc.
In the window that opens, left-click once on the list of devices and then click the tab " in the main menu Action", then point to " Update hardware configuration" See if the section “ USB controllers" If yes, then your problem is solved, the USB ports should work.
Another way to get USB ports to work is to unplug and then reinstall the USB controller. To do this you need to run again device Manager. In the list of equipment that you will see in the window that opens, find the USB controllers section. On each of the devices in this section, right-click and delete them all. Once you remove all controllers, simply restart your computer. The controllers will be reinstalled and the USB ports will become available again. This may solve your problem.
Updating USB controller drivers
Another reason that USB ports do not work is damage to the USB controller drivers. The only way out is to find the correct drivers and reinstall them. To download the appropriate driver, you need to find out the manufacturer of the USB device port (via it). Installing the correct driver should solve this problem in an instant.
Disabling other USB devices
Sometimes USB ports do not work due to overload when too many USB devices are connected. USB hubs sometimes do not provide enough power to the devices connected to it. The connected device can consume all the permitted power of the computer's USB controllers. If the equipment is connected to a USB hub, then simply connect the device directly to a USB port on your computer.
You can also leave the device connected to the USB hub, but first disconnect other devices in the hub. For the future, purchase a USB hub with its own power supply that will provide sufficient power to all devices connected to it.
If none of the above methods worked, then it is likely that the USB ports were physically damaged. Or the USB controller, in particular the south bridge of the motherboard, is damaged. In this case, the best thing you can do is replace or repair the USB port controller at a service center.
USB technology is one of the most important of the many technologies that have made a huge impact in the computer world. USB (Universal Serial Bus- “universal serial bus”) - a serial data transfer interface for low- and medium-speed computer peripheral devices
This technology has made it truly easy and convenient to work with printers, scanners and external storage devices (external hard drives, USB flash drives). All actions with installing USB devices came down to a simple principle: “ Plug and play" Devices have become truly mobile precisely because of USB technology. Today, not only desktop PCs and laptops are equipped with USB ports, but also gaming devices, smartphones, cameras, navigators and many other devices.
Ports USB version 2.0 provide data transfer at speeds up to 480 Mbit/s, and the version USB 3.0 raises the maximum transfer speed to 5.0 Gbps. The USB symbol is a kind of trident, drawn both on USB devices and on computer connectors.
USB technology has already been studied quite seriously and has undergone many improvements, so USB ports, when used correctly, rarely cause any problems, and troubleshooting problems associated with them does not cause much trouble. This article will outline the basic principles of troubleshooting USB ports.
But before we begin, it’s worth describing basic recommendations when working with USB ports and devices, connected to them:
- never connect devices with visible mechanical damage to USB connectors, as well as devices with external damage to the case or with a clear burning smell.
If the USB ports on the motherboard are mechanically damaged, it is better to disconnect them from the motherboard (the connectors on the front of the case) or seal them with colored tape to prevent their use. If necessary, it is better to replace such ports in a workshop with new ones.
Try not to overload USB ports. Their current strength is strictly limited: 500 mA for USB 2.0 and 900 mA for version 3.0. Do not try to increase the number of USB ports using various USB multipliers. Modern motherboards already have up to 10 ports, which is quite enough for home use. It is always safer to buy an additional PCI or PCIe USB controller than to work through a USB “tee”.
If the USB ports on a laptop stop working, then working on it becomes very difficult - you cannot connect a printer, a scanner, or a flash drive. And unlike a desktop computer, installing an additional USB controller is very expensive.
In many cases, when the error message " USB device not recognized "The problem may be in the USB port. This problem is usually solved quite easily, since it occurs mainly at the software level.
What to do if the USB ports do not work?
Any hardware device interacts with the installed operating system through a special program - driver. Many problems with devices are solved with the help of drivers. The same is the case with non-functional USB ports. Below are several methods that will help you troubleshoot USB ports at the software level.
If the USB ports suddenly stop working and USB devices are not detected, then the easiest way to fix this sudden problem is to restart the computer. Just restart your computer. If there were no problems loading the drivers, this problem will be resolved after a reboot.
Update hardware configuration in Device Manager
If restarting the computer is not desirable at the moment (for example, because some important operation is being performed), then you can “reload” the drivers without rebooting the entire computer via device Manager. To launch it on the shortcut " My computer» right-click and select the menu item « Management e". Or in the menu " Start» find the program « Execute"and after launching it, enter the command devmgmt.msc.
In the window that opens, left-click once on the list of devices and then click the tab " in the main menu Action", then point to " Update hardware configuration" See if the section “ USB controllers" If yes, then your problem is solved, the USB ports should work.
Another way to get USB ports to work is to unplug and then reinstall the USB controller. To do this you need to run again device Manager. In the list of equipment that you will see in the window that opens, find the USB controllers section. On each of the devices in this section, right-click and delete them all. Once you remove all controllers, simply restart your computer. The controllers will be reinstalled and the USB ports will become available again. This may solve your problem.
Updating USB controller drivers
Another reason that USB ports do not work is damage to the USB controller drivers. The only way out is to find the correct drivers and reinstall them. To download the appropriate driver, you need to find out the manufacturer of the USB device port (via it). Installing the correct driver should solve this problem in an instant.
Disabling other USB devices
Sometimes USB ports do not work due to overload when too many USB devices are connected. USB hubs sometimes do not provide enough power to the devices connected to it. The connected device can consume all the permitted power of the computer's USB controllers. If the equipment is connected to a USB hub, then simply connect the device directly to a USB port on your computer.
You can also leave the device connected to the USB hub, but first disconnect other devices in the hub. For the future, purchase a USB hub with its own power supply that will provide sufficient power to all devices connected to it.
If none of the above methods worked, then it is likely that the USB ports were physically damaged. Or the USB controller, in particular the south bridge of the motherboard, is damaged. In this case, the best thing you can do is replace or repair the USB port controller at a service center.
