USB Sockets Stopped Functioning

[TonyBooth]

While using my USB flash stick to transfer document files, the flash stick stopped working and a message came up saying the USB Device Not Recognised. At first, I thought this was just the USB flash stick that had perhaps malfunctioned, but then discovered the same message came up with all my USB sockets and regardless of what was plugged into them, including my scanner, external hard drive, other flash sticks and an external disk drive. Troubleshooting suggested checking out Device Manager, but this seemed to take me down a cul-de-sac, saying eventually that the device had malfunctioned and needed replacing - but all these USB devices actually work just fine when altern atively connected to my laptop. It seems like the usual USB plug-and-play ability has stopped functioning in my PC, but I can't understand or figure out why. Another problem is that my PC wirelessly connects to the internet through a USB utility, so I can't use the internet to diagnose the problem (I'm connecting here using my laptop in desperation). I'm not sure whether this is connected or not, but in the last couple of weeks, I have also been getting an occasional message saying virtual memory is low and the computer is altering the allocation to rectify it. Please, anyone who can offer advice on this, please help. I am now at a complete loss. I have run virus and spyware checks, etc., but to no avail and the device manager reports drivers are in place and the USB root hubs and so on are working properly (despite the fact they actually aren't).

[maynardvdm]

Hello and Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

 

• Right-Click My Computer and select Properties
  
• Click on the Hardware Tab and click on Device Manager
  
• Click the + by Universal Serial Bus controllers
  
• Right-click on each one and select uninstall
  
• A box will appear, just click OK
  
• After uninstalling them all, Restart your computer
  
• Windows should now automatically install the USB drivers again
  

[TonyBooth]

Many thanks. I will try that in a short while. In fact, I used ZoneAlarm Extreme initially to check for problems, but it found none. I have since started AVG virus check (which always takes an eternity to complete) and it has found a trojan (BHO.IMS.dropper), and still running. Could this have caused the problem? I have no idea how it got into my PC as the security is fairly tight, but clearly it's managed to get in from somewhere. Anyway, hopefully I will be able to fix it when AVG completes, then I'll try your remedy and get back. Thanks again for such a quick reply.

[TonyBooth]

Hi. AVG successfully healed the trojan. I then followed your advice. Windows then started to send messages saying 'found new hardware' and that the hardware was installed and ready to use. Then, messages immediately started coming on screen saying 'device not recognised' - and hey presto, all the USB plugged in equipment failed to operate again. So, back to square one. Under the Universal Bus Controllers the following are listed: SiS 7001 PCI to USB Open Host Controller (3 listed); SiS PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller; Unknown Device (3 listed); USB Mass Storage Device; and USB Root Hub (4 listed). Your continued advice would be much appreciated.

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Does any of them have an yellow ! next to it?

[TonyBooth]

No, none have the yellow symbol.

[maynardvdm]

Ok.

 

Try this:

1. Unplug all USB devices.

2. Uninstall the drivers.

3. Reboot.

4. Plug in the devices one at a time, make sure the one you plug in works before going on to the next one.

 

Tell us which one does not work or does not install.

[TonyBooth]

Thanks so much. This could take some time, but I'll get on to it now and get back asap.

[TonyBooth]

That didn't go quite as planned. I unplugged all USB connected devices as advised. My USB mouse, which actually was the only thing that has worked without problem through all of this, I re-connected and it immediately worked as before. I then tried, out of interest, plugging this into each of the other USB sockets one at a time - and it worked in each one. So, in theory, that eliminates a physical fault on one or more of the sockets. However, when I then tried to uninstall the other drivers, as advised, I couldn't find any of the hardware listed under devices (through control panel, system). The software is all listed under programs, so for example, the USB printer is shown as available - but when it's connected, the message comes up within the printer console that there is no power to it. Not sure how to go about uninstalling the various device drivers when I can't see the devices listed. I did then try just plugging in one device at a time, but the same USB DEVICE NOT RECOGNISED message popped up each time, regardless of the USB socket used or which device was plugged in. This is so frustrating!!! Agh! Your continued advice (again) is appreciated.

[TonyBooth]

I have been searching for others facing the same problem and found an interesting piece at microsoft support - USB port may stop working after you remove or insert a USB device - that seems to describe the same thing and offers a few remedies. The remedies are much along the lines we have already tried, but the workaround suggests there might be a power suspension problem, which microsoft know about and are apparently looking into??? Could this be the root cause of the problems I'm having - and would changing the ability for windows to suspend power saving on USB devices be a worthwhile thing to try.

[maynardvdm]

Besides the mouse, which other devices work? See we are trying to isolate the problem here.

[TonyBooth]

Hi. None of the other devices work. All of them (printer, scanner, external hard drive, external dvd/cd drive and two different flash sticks) report 'Device Not Recognised'. This is regardless of the USB socket used. While some of these devices have software and drivers in place, others (like the flash sticks) are plug and play.