How to fix a USB input on a laptop. Why don't USB ports work?

The presence of USB ports on devices has become firmly established in the life of the modern consumer. Therefore, when the USB ports on a laptop or PC do not work, obstacles to comfortable work may arise. A non-functioning port can interfere with the functioning of a printer, scanner, as well as all kinds of external storage devices.

Rules for using ports

First of all, to prevent connector damage, it is recommended to follow several simple rules:

Avoid connecting devices with noticeable damage to the port or housing, burning odors, or other signs of operational failure to the USB connector;
do not overload the ports by resorting to all kinds of multipliers and tees;
touch the computer case before working with USB. This will remove static electricity, which is the most common root cause of breakdown.

When purchasing equipment, the warranty often does not cover USB ports. This is due to the high probability of their breakdown by inexperienced and careless users who do not believe that working with a laptop and especially ports needs to be done according to any rules.

Factors leading to malfunctions and ways to solve them

To quickly and most effectively eradicate the problem when USB ports on a computer or laptop do not work, it is enough to understand exactly why the port does not work. The main causes of failures and breakdowns are:

Hardware obstacle

This could be dust, damage to the external cable or the controller itself, an unconnected block, lack of power, and others.

The above problems can be solved using:

replacing broken components in a laptop or computer;
checks to see if all parts in the system unit and laptop are connected and working correctly;
systematically maintaining the cleanliness of the laptop and other actions related to the technical side of the issue;

Obstacle in the software

Since the device communicates with the operating system using drivers, many problems can be caused by their inoperability. In this case, some simple methods can help:

disabling the controller through device manager. Another method related to the manager could be to disable the controllers by removing them and then rebooting the device. The controllers will be reinstalled and the ports will work;
driver update. If there is a defect in the drivers, you can find new ones and reinstall them. Installing the correct driver will solve the problem and everything will start working. A problem often arises when, after updating drivers for other components, USB ports do not work. Then you need to determine: the problem is with the drivers for the device using the connector, or directly in the effectiveness of the port itself. In the first case, installing an updated driver will help, in the second you will need to look for where exactly the breakdown occurred: the south bridge, the motherboard or something else and solve exactly this problem;
disconnecting other USB devices. Ports become disconnected due to port overload and lack of power. In this case, stopping other devices operating via USB will help.

There is also a reason why the USB port specifically on the motherboard of a laptop or computer does not work. It is quite possible that there is a short circuit on it. This can be avoided by systematically cleaning it from dust, checking that it is firmly secured and not loose, and removing static electricity before work. If the ports on the motherboard stop working gradually one at a time, then you need to prepare to change the board itself. Since, perhaps in the next six months, it will stop working.

A temporary work solution can be a PCI USB controller. However, if the south bridge burned out, this will not help. With this option, the only option is to go to a mechanic to replace the bridge. It is impossible to fix such a malfunction on your own, due to the fact that replacing a bridge is a complex and time-consuming job that requires specialized tools and skill.

Control programs

An assistant in diagnosing USB operation for the user can be: special programs, designed to identify all connected devices and their status. It is in the program that you can see which device “conflicts” with the equipment, which will significantly reduce the amount of time spent searching on your own. You can find these programs yourself on the Internet; they are freely available, free, and their selection is quite large. Here are some of them (the download link is in parentheses):

USB Manager

USBDeview

Advanced USB Monitor

USB Watchdog
There are also programs that can block all USB ports. One of them is USB Watchdog.

Most often, users resort to them if they store important information, to which access should be restricted. Additionally, such blocking will help prevent malicious software, which can be located on a drive inserted into a computer or laptop.

In large enterprises and offices, information leakage from laptops can be prevented using a program that, when using a port, will execute a script programmed by the system administrator. In this version, the program works as a “watchman”.

Repair

If the USB ports on your computer or laptop still stop working and nothing helps solve the problem, then the connectors need to be replaced. You can do this yourself at home, or by contacting a specialized service where specialists will work on it.

To replace the port yourself, you will need a soldering iron, rosin and a new connector. Naturally, you need to be able to work with a soldering iron, as well as knowledge about the structure of a computer, because it will need to not only be disassembled, but also put back together in the correct sequence. It is important to understand that in this case there is a chance of doing something wrong and everything will stop working. In the future, the services of a specialist will be required, and the cost of repair work will increase significantly.

Of course, repairing a laptop in a workshop will cost a little more than at home. But replacement services have various ports available, which can be selected taking into account the size of each specific computer or laptop. Also, the advantage of contacting a workshop will be a guarantee for the work performed, which will allow you to contact us again if the repair turns out to be of poor quality. In this case, the main thing is to take a responsible approach to choosing a workshop so that the money is not wasted.

In general, faulty connectors on laptops and computers are easy to fix. You can do this either on your own or with the help of a professional. Timely prevention of malfunctions will extend the life of computer or laptop components and avoid unnecessary repair costs.

Have a great day!

If, when connecting a device via the USB interface, it does not initialize, is not detected by the operating system and does not display any messages at all, then the reason may be disabled controller responsible for this port.

The first thing to do is look port status in Device Manager. To launch it, enter in the window Execute(Win+R) command " devmgmt.msc».

Open section USB controllers and look state USB hub or USB root hub.

The picture shows one of them disabled. Enable it using the right button – Engage.

You can also go to the section properties– tab Power management, uncheck the permission to turn off devices to save power.

In the same properties you can check relevance installed drivers, update them if necessary.

If the controller is marked yellow exclamation mark then try reinstall its driver, or remove all controllers and run reboot system, after which they should automatically install and work properly.

All ports do not work

If all ports do not work at once - reboot computer and go to BIOS(key F2 or del at startup). Depending on the BIOS type and version, the settings may vary, You should find the parameters " USB Function" And " USB 2.0 Controller", they should be in the " Enabled" Most often they are located in the “ Onboard Devices Configuration»

Only the front connectors do not work

If we're talking about about PC, then one should distinguish front And rear connectors. The rear ones are located directly on the motherboard, the front ones are connected to it using a special plume. Therefore, when the front USB stopped working, first of all check operation of the device when connected to the rear.

If it is working properly, then you will have to remove the cover system unit(with the computer power off), and then check correct connection front connector cable to the system board.

Correct pinout connections can be found in the description of your motherboard, but usually how to connect is clear signatures on the motherboard.

Check USB ports

The first thing you need to do is check the USB ports for physical damage.

A simple test is this: insert a USB device into a port on your laptop and see if the connected device moves up and down easily. Be careful! You should not yank the USB port too hard to avoid breaking it.

If the USB port moves too freely, the problem is likely due to physical damage. You should contact a service center to replace the USB port.

Restart your computer

You can also try the good old method of any technical support department: turn it off and on. Sometimes it really works because operating system re-scans hardware, including USB ports, making them work.

If this doesn't help and the USB ports are still not working on your computer, then it's time to check the Device Manager.

Check Device Manager

You can run device Manager several ways, but we'll tell you about the fastest one: press the Win + R keys and enter devmgmt.msc. Click "OK" or key « Enter». Device Manager should immediately appear on your computer screen.

In this window we are interested in the section “ USB controllers" Click the arrow next to this label to expand the section. You will see something like the window below:

Here you should find a device that has words USB Host Controller in its title. For example in my case it is Intel(R) 5-Series/3400 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller. Some letters may be different for you, but in general you should have a similar device. If it simply isn't there, that's probably the problem why the USB ports on the laptop aren't working.

In this case, you should right-click on “ USB controllers» and select "Update configuration" The computer will recheck the hardware and you will see USB Host Controller in the list.

Remove USB Host Controller

Next, you need to act carefully. If you are working on a computer, then most likely you have a USB mouse and keyboard connected. After you remove USB Host Controller, your mouse and keyboard will not work. This is not a problem as they will work again after rebooting your computer.

So, as you understand, you should right-click on the USB Host Controller device, and select “ Delete" Perform this action for all devices named USB Host Controller.

After removing USB Host Controller, restart your computer or laptop. After restarting, the computer will automatically install the necessary drivers for the USB ports to work.

Find the DisableSelectiveSuspend registry key

If the USB ports are still not working, then we will go one step further and make some changes in the Registry Editor.

To go to the Registry Editor, press the keys Win+R, enter regedit, and press the " Enter" The Registry Editor window will open.

Next you need to find the registry key DisableSelectiveSuspend. It is located in the following folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Services -> USB. Next, in the right window, right-click on the file “ DisableSelectiveSuspend", and select " Change».

In the field " Meaning» enter number 1 . This way you will disable the Selective Suspend feature and power will always be supplied to your USB ports.

If there is no USB folder

If the USB folder doesn't exist in your registry, it's easy to create one. Just go to the Services folder, then on the toolbar click " Edit»> « Create»> « Chapter" Name it USB.

They are universal computer connectors for connecting almost any device, from mice to smartphones and printers. When one or more of the USB ports stops working, this creates certain problems, especially for laptop users. After all, in laptops the number of USB ports is very limited (especially in cheap laptops, where they often only have 2 USB ports).

Reasons why the USB port may not work

In order to understand the current problem, you need to clarify several points, namely:

We are talking about a computer or laptop
Which of the USB connectors does not work (all on the computer case, only).
After which the USB stopped working (reinstalling Windows, flooding with water, physical impact).

Let's start with the simple and banal. If the USB connector of your computer or laptop stops working after you hit it, flooded it with water or dropped it, then most likely it is damaged at the physical level and it can hardly be repaired at home. It may be necessary to replace the connector itself or its cable.

When diagnosing a USB malfunction, be sure to do a visual inspection first. This is what a broken input inside the USB looks like, in which the contact legs may be shorted.

On the left is a broken USB, on the right is a working one.

In this case, all USB and even . Only replacing the connector will help here, or if these are the front USB cases of a desktop computer, then they can be used.

You can also try straightening the shortened legs.

If the external state of the connectors does not raise suspicions, then it is worth checking the BIOS settings. Perhaps USB is disabled.

Now let's look at the situation with a non-working usb 3.0 connector.

How is USB 3.0 different from a regular USB connector?

First of all, by color. USB 3.0 is blue or sometimes orange inside, while regular USB is black or white.

Visual difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0

If only USB 3.0 ports do not work, then most likely the problem is with the drivers, or rather with their absence. To check this option, just go to the device manager.

To do this, right-click on the “ ” icon and select “Computer Management”.

Computer management

In the window that opens, at the top left, click on “Device Manager”.

device Manager

A list of all computer (laptop) devices will open, among which there should not be a single one with an exclamation mark.

The reasons why USB ports on a laptop do not work may lie in both software and hardware. Sometimes all ports do not function at once, and sometimes only one or two. Below we will look at why such malfunctions appear, and we will also tell you what to do to fix them yourself if repair of the connector itself is not required.

Checking the BIOS configuration

When a problem like this occurs, the first thing you need to check is whether the USB controllers on the system board are disabled. They can easily turn off on their own, and no repair of the connector is required. When the controller suddenly stops working, you can activate it in the BIOS:

Immediately after booting begins, frequently press Del, F2 or another function key provided to enter the BIOS on your device.
Find Integrated Peripherals or Advanced (depending on BIOS version).
Select USB Configuration. Here, opposite the USB Controller lines, the Enabled parameter should be set. If it is not there, set the desired value yourself and save the current configuration.

The problem can also sometimes occur due to some USB device that needs repair. To determine it, disconnect all devices using this port - mouse, USB keyboard, etc. Try connecting a working flash drive. If problems stop appearing, look for a non-working peripheral device.

Working with Device Manager

Through “Start” or another way, go to the device manager. Perhaps one of the group of USB controllers here is marked with a yellow exclamation mark icon, which is why the device does not function.

You can try to correct the situation in the following way:

Remove the controller marked in yellow from the manager;
Reboot your laptop.

The next time the system starts, it will reinstall all the necessary software, after which the controllers that failed can start working again. Sometimes it helps to roll back the OS to a previous state, when all the equipment was functioning normally.

USB may be disabled due to system settings

The laptop's power management can be configured in such a way that the system itself, to save battery power, turns off the USB connector after a certain period of inactivity. No repairs are required here. In order for the laptop to stop disabling the USB input, it is enough not to allow Windows to change the power settings of the controller, for which:

In the manager, open the serial bus controllers branch, highlight the line for the root USB hub.
Double click to open the device, select power management.
Uncheck the box that allows the system to turn off the connector to save power.

Repeat the described steps for each of the USB hubs registered in the device manager.

Problems with the motherboard driver

Sometimes USB port not working problems can be caused by an outdated motherboard chipset driver. The problem is solved by downloading it from a reliable source and then installing it. To do this:

If you don't want to bother searching for the latest version of the driver you need, you can simply use the DriverPack Solution application, which will automatically recognize devices with outdated drivers and update them.

When Windows is to blame

Sometimes OS failures are the cause of non-functioning controllers, so repairs are required by Windows itself. In this case, you need to reinstall. But to be sure of the cause of the problem and not have to do unnecessary work, check the functionality of the USB ports without booting Windows.

To do this, you can, for example, boot the system from any Live CD. If the ports work as expected in this disk OS, then the problem is clearly in Windows - you can safely reinstall it. If the devices do not work even when booting from a Live CD, then the problem should be looked for in the hardware; it may need to be repaired.

So, most often software problems with non-working USB controllers are solved by updating the driver for the chipset or the device itself. system board(which is essentially the same thing after the north and south bridges on the motherboard were replaced with one chip). Also, the problem often goes away after reinstalling the OS. Otherwise, the controllers themselves, connected USB devices may be faulty, or repairs need to be done on the system board itself.