USB Connection

USB Connecting

Method 1 – Unplug Computer

If your USB ports are acting up, try unplugging your computer from the power supply for a few minutes. This simple step can reset the motherboard and reload drivers, often fixing the issue.
USB - Problems-1-900

The motherboard is where all of the hardware of the computer connects to, including the USB ports. Sometimes the motherboard needs to be “rebooted” because things can go wrong, i.e. all or some USB ports suddenly stop working. The small microprocessor on the motherboard will reload the drivers and your USB ports should hopefully be recognizing devices again.

So first turn off your computer using the Shut Down option in Windows or pressing the power button and then UNPLUG the PC from the wall outlet. Let it sit for several minutes and then plug it back in.

Method 2 – Update Device Driver

In Device Manager, update drivers for any "Unknown Devices" by right-clicking, selecting Properties, and choosing Update Driver.

In that case, you should right-click on Unknown Device, click on Properties, then the Driver tab and then click Update Driver.

Method 3 – Restart & Disconnect USB Devices

Disconnect all USB devices, restart your computer, then reconnect the problematic device to a different USB port.

Method 4 – USB Root Hub

In Device Manager, under USB Serial Bus Controllers, adjust power settings for USB Root Hubs.

Click on the Power Management tab and uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power box. If you have more than one USB Root Hub listed, you need to repeat these steps for each one.

Click OK and then restart your computer. Try to reconnect the USB device and see if it is recognized. If not, go back to the power management tab for each one and check the box again. If it does recognize the device, then leave them unchecked.

Method 5 – Connect Directly to PC

If using a USB hub, connect devices directly to the computer to avoid power issues.

Method 6 – USB Trouble-shooter

Download the Windows USB Troubleshooter Fixit tool for automated problem-solving.

Method 7 – Update Generic USB Hub

Update drivers for Generic USB Hubs in Device Manager to resolve "Unknown Device" errors.

Then click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer at the bottom.

Method 8 – Uninstall USB Devices

As a last resort, uninstall all USB devices from Device Manager, then restart.

Method 9 – Uninstall Hidden Devices

Remove hidden USB devices from Device Manager to resolve conflicts.

set DEVMGR_SHOW_DETAILS=1

set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1

start devmgmt.msc

Once Device Manager loads, you need to click on View and then click on Show Hidden Devices.

Now you want to expand Imaging Devices, Universal Serial Bus Controllers and Unknown Devices. If you see anything listed there that is greyed out or that says unknown device, go ahead and right-click on them and choose Uninstall. Hopefully, removing the older devices will allow the newer devices to work properly.

Other Possible Solutions

Try different USB cables or connect the device to another computer.
Ensure devices are properly ejected before unplugging.
Consider updating BIOS or adjusting USB settings in BIOS.

If these steps don't solve the issue, there may be a hardware problem.