USB ports typically stop working when the device driver associated with them becomes corrupt or outdated. A corrupt driver can be caused by numerous factors, including hardware problems, an incompatibility between the USB version and the device being used, or a conflict with other software on the computer.
The first step in troubleshooting a non-functioning USB port is to ascertain if the problem lies with the port itself or the device that is connected to it. If the USB device does not appear to be malfunctioning and the port’s power supply appears to be functioning correctly, then the issue most likely lies with the port itself or something within the system.
1. Check Device Manager
The first thing to do when the USB port stops working is to check the Device Manager on the computer. To open Device Manager, press the Windows + X keys, select Device Manager from the drop-down menu and look for any devices marked with a yellow exclamation point. This indicates a driver issue and will need to be addressed.
2. Update Drivers
The next step is to update the drivers associated with the USB port. To do this, right click on each item marked with a yellow exclamation point in the Device Manager and select “Update Driver Software”. Follow the onscreen instructions to update the driver.
If the driver cannot be updated or the computer does not give the option to update it, then you may need to uninstall the driver and reinstall it manually. To do this, right-click the device in the Device Manager and select “Uninstall”. Then, download and install the latest version of the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Reseat USB Port
A common solution to many USB problems is to disconnect and then reconnect the device. This can be done by unplugging the USB cable and then plugging it back in. This can reset the port, as well as establishing a stronger connection.
4. Troubleshoot Hardware
If the problem persists, then the issue may lie with the hardware of the USB port. To determine if this is the case, try connecting a different USB device to the port. If the device works properly, then the port itself is functioning correctly. If the device does not work, then the port itself may be defective and may need to be replaced.
5. Check BIOS Settings
Sometimes, USB ports can become disabled in the system BIOS. To confirm this, open the BIOS menu and look for any settings related to the USB port. If the port is disabled, then simply enable it and save the changes before exiting the BIOS menu.
6. Perform a System Restore
If none of the above steps have solved the problem, then the issue may be caused by a software conflict. To resolve this, you can perform a system restore, which will restore your computer to an earlier date where the issue was not present.
7. Check for Viruses
Lastly, run a malware scan to make sure that a virus or other malicious software is not the cause of the problem. A virus could be preventing the USB ports from functioning correctly, so it is important to rule out this possibility.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the issues causing your USB ports to stop working. If none of these methods work, then the issue may be with the computer’s internal hardware and you may need to take the computer to a repair shop.