USB Ports not recognised.

[Guest]

I have 4 USB ports on my machine, 2 at the front and 2 at the back.

The 2 in the back have got devices plugged in and they work.

Yesterday, I plugged in a potable USB device into the USB ports at the
front. I did not get a message saying ‘new hardware’ identified.

When I went in ‘My Computer’ I could not see the new device.

I went into Device Manager and it shows the following for USBs:-

USB Controller
Dectect …..Controller 2442
Dectect …..Controller 2444
USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub

What do I need to do to be able to use the 2 USB ports at the front of the PC.

The PC is running XP with SP2.

Any help offered would be appreciated.

Pank

 

[Kenny]

Have they ever worked?
Does your m/b support USB2?
If USB2 then Device Manager should show "Enhanced" somewhere under USB
controllers.
Check BIOS that all USB's are enabled.
Front USB ports are usually connected to headers on m/b, check that these
are properly connected.

 

[Guest]

Kenny,

Thanks for the response.

This is the first time that I have tried to use the ports in the front and
therefore cannot comment whether or not they have every worked.

Device Manager does not show anything as "Enhanced" under USB controllers.

What in specific am I looking for in the Check BIOS? (i.e any particular
headings?)

As far as cheching whether the front USB ports are properly connected, I
assume open up the PC?

Regards

Pank

 

[Kenny]

If you have SP2 installed and "Enhanced" doesn't show it means that your m/b
doesn't support USB2, only USB1.
USB2 devices should still work but at the slower speed of USB1. If you want
the extra speed you can add a USB2 PCI expansion card.
As for the BIOS best thing is to get the m/b manual and study it.
On my Gigabyte board USB comes under Integrated Peripherals/USB Host
Controller but it may be different
on yours.
If the front USB ports are not properly connected to m/b headers you will
certainly need the manual to identify the proper pins to connect to.
If you don't know what your m/b is get either or both Belarc or Everest,
both are free. They "should" identify it for you then go to mfrs. site to
get the manual.
Another thing which may be useful. Once you know what the m/b is look for
updated chipset drivers and maybe a BIOS update but if you're not familiar
with flashing BIOS don't do it, it can be tricky.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

http://www.lavalys.com/products/overview.php?pid=1&lang=en

 

[Guest]

Kenny,

Thanks for the pointers. Will try them out.

Pank