The first thing that computer users should do is troubleshoot their computers to see if they can fix a USB port problem. Shutting down your computer and disconnecting the power cords that are connected to it, including the monitor, printer and other peripheral devices, and reconnecting them again, may help to resolve a USB port problem. Other troubleshooting methods can be applied to resolve problematic USB ports on a computer.
Troubleshooting Your Computer
If the computer user is still unable to access the USB ports on their computer, it’s advisable to check Windows Automatic Updates feature on their computer to make certain that it is enabled. The computer user should also visit Microsoft.com and download all of the “Critical” and “Important” updates that are required for their computer’s operating system. The computer user should also check Windows Device Manager to see if the USB ports are working properly too. In some cases, USB device conflicts can occur when the drivers for a USB device does not install correctly or has become corrupt.
Resolving Common USB Port Problems
If a defective USB device driver is installed on a computer, the computer user could enter Device Manager from the Control Panel to diagnose and resolve a USB port problem. For example, clicking on the small arrow or plus sign icon next to “Universal Serial Bus controllers” will expand the menu. Select USB Root Hub and right-click on it. Select Properties and press the Power Management tab button. If the check box is enabled next to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power,” disable it. And if that doesn’t resolve the USB port problem, the computer user should visit their computer manufacturer’s website and install the latest updated drivers relating to their computer’s USB interfaces and motherboard.
Adjust the BIOS Settings
Another troubleshooting method that the computer user could do to help resolve a USB port problem is rebooting their computer and entering the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). Then go to the Peripherals section and check for an entry that is marked USB Controller to see if it is off or inactive. And check the IRQ and memory addresses and enter Device Manager to ensure that another device is not using the same settings.
USB Device Drivers
Keep in mind that when the computer user attaches new USB hardware to a computer, they should install the USB drivers for the hardware first. The drivers are needed to connect the hardware with Windows operating system. And if the USB drivers did not install correctly or have become damaged, outdated or corrupt, they will need to be replaced. In some cases, the computer user may have to install drivers for their new USB hardware from the manufacturer’s website. If that’s not possible, driver update software is available on the Internet that can be used to update all of the USB drivers on a computer.