Unrecognised devices

[tonko]

My PC (OS: XP Pro) has suddenly stopped being able to 'use' any of the attached devices. At first, only the two internal CD Rom drives and an external DVD (via USB) were not recognised. Now, it does not recognise these or anything plugged into any of the USB ports or even the printer. When I go into Device Manager it lists the devices ("Philips", "Optorite" or whatever) but it has a small yellow circle with an explanation mark in it next to the name. Luckily, the monitor and ethernet connections work (at the moment!). It's a bit of a worry because I can't back-up files. Any ideas anybody? A colleague has suggested problems with the motherboard.

[maynardvdm]

Hi

Have you tried reinstalling the drivers for the usb?

Have you open the pc or added anything from when this started?

[tonko]

Thanks for the prompt response.

 

I have never opened up the PC. How do I reinstall the USB drivers?

[maynardvdm]

Go to Device manager

right-click where the device has a yellow circle with an explanation mark

click properties

click on the drivers tab

click update driver

and follow the prompts.

[tonko]

Thanks for that but I've already tried. It just comes up with "You already have the updated version" or something similar. I've tried it for the USB hubs as well as the CD/DVD drives.

[Tony D]

You can try doing a System Restore. Choose a date that you know the machine was working.