All of My USB Ports Selectively Stopped Working

[Pirate727]

Ok, I know that this topic has come up a lot. But unfortunately, none
of the previous solutions are applicable here. No loose cords, no
driver issues. Just spookey.

Here's the deal: (Please read all)

My USB ports on the front of my computer:
- They stopped working (I get the device failed error anytime I plug
something in)
- They were just working yesterday
- Nothing has changed

My USB ports on the back of the computer
- Currently has a printer and a mouse plugged in
- When I unplug one of the above, and plug in something else, I get the
same error (device failed)
- When I plug the original device (printer or mouse) back in, they work
fine.

What is going on here? MY access to those ports is mission-critical
and I'm down for the count today unless I can get this fixed.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ken

 

[Malke]

Ok, I know that this topic has come up a lot. But unfortunately, none
of the previous solutions are applicable here. No loose cords, no
driver issues. Just spookey.

Here's the deal: (Please read all)

My USB ports on the front of my computer:
- They stopped working (I get the device failed error anytime I plug
something in)
- They were just working yesterday
- Nothing has changed

My USB ports on the back of the computer
- Currently has a printer and a mouse plugged in
- When I unplug one of the above, and plug in something else, I get
the same error (device failed)
- When I plug the original device (printer or mouse) back in, they
work fine.

What is going on here? MY access to those ports is mission-critical
and I'm down for the count today unless I can get this fixed.

To make sure it isn't hardware you can:

1. Do a System Restore to yesterday when things worked.
Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore
"Restore my computer to an earlier time"

2. Boot with a different operating system on a rescue cd like Knoppix
Linux. If the usb ports don't work in Linux, then you know your
motherboard is failing.

3. If the motherboard is failing, you will need to replace it. Since I
don't know anything about your computer, you'll need to decide if it is
more cost-efficient to replace the computer or just the motherboard. If
you replace the motherboard, you'll need to do a repair install.

Whatever you do, you should back up your data first if you haven't
already.

Malke