USB Port Problem
By
Aett_Thorn,
Posted on: 2012-03-12 18:43 in ALL ACCESS Gameplay Technical Issues Bugs
Don't have a perfect solution to your problem, but if you can't get it fixed easily there's always usb PCI cards:
Throwing darts at the board to see if something sticks.....
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Originally Posted by PapaSlade
Rangle's right....this is fun.
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Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
Hey everyone,
So, on my main computer, I've run into a problem. The computer seems to have stopped liking the USB host controllers or the jacks. Which is absolutely fantastic, since my mouse and keyboard are usb-dependent. I was able to find a usb -> ps2 port converter for my mouse, but I can't really google or type anything, which makes it tough to search for help on that computer. So, I highjacked my fiance's compt to ask for help. I say this because I can't give you many details on the other computer or post the typical reports that might help you to help me diagnose the problem. System: Self-built, running Windows XP SP3. Can't remember the motherboard type or processors. Now, what the problem is: The USB ports aren't recognized The computer says there was a malfunction, and that the drives aren't recognized It gives me a little pop-up to click to fix it, but it's the window's troubleshooter, and therefore fairly useless. Nothing plugged into the drives work, or even shows that it's getting power. What I've done to try to fix it: 1) Run the Windows troubleshooter, and perform all the fixes it suggests 2) Uninstall the USB Host Controllers, reboot the computer a few times to have the re-install 3) Run Windows Updater 4) Download new drivers, but tough to do, since I can't type in the model numbers, and I don't want to pay for a driver finder (not like I could put in any info anyways) So what's next? Are they just dead, and I need to get new parts? Is there something I can do while only having a mouse to do it? Thanks. I'll try to get anyone more info if I can, but I can't post from that computer. |
Can you get a good high-res pic of your motherboard?
Or a couple of them, of different parts of the board?
If so, we should be able to figure out who made the board and where to go to find working drivers.
Clicking on the linked image above will take you off the City of Heroes site. However, the guides will be linked back here.
Would a:
Gigabyte GA-EG31M-52 be a model number for a motherboard?
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus
You say you've tried uninstalling the USB Host Controllers in Device Manager, and let Windows redetect them? go a step farther and try this:
1) Open a command prompt and type
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This starts up Device Manager in a mode where you can see ALL of the devices that have EVER been installed in the system, even ones not currently connected. (You'll have to go to the menu and select "View/Show hidden devices" to view them all.) All of the "nonpresent" devices will have icons that are "grayed out".|
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 cd \%systemroot%\system32 start devmgmt.msc |
NOW go into the USB section and uninstall all of the USB Root Hubs, then all of the USB Host controllers, including any that are "grayed out". Then go to the menu and select "Action/Scan for hardware changes". (You shouldn't have to reboot, but it couldn't hurt either.) Windows should re-detect all of the USB devices (one or more reboots may still be necessary).
Once that's done, test your USB mouse and keyboard.
The reason for all of this is that Windows sometimes gets confused by configuration settings for "nonpresent" devices, especially where USB is concerned. If that happens, the only way to get the USB ports reinitialized is to remove all traces of them from the devices sections of the Registry, then redetecting them.
If this didn't help, it's likely that your USB controllers really are shot.
Problems like this certainly are frustrating. I have a laptop computer with four USB ports that are all supposed to be USB 2.0, but for some reason one of them will not work in USB 2.0 high-speed mode, no matter what I do (even the nonpresent-devices removal trick). Which means that port is pretty much useless for plugging in external hard drives, WiFi adapters, or thumbdrives. I'm pretty sure the on-board USB controller has a damaged circuit, but since it's a laptop I really have no way to fix it.
TargetOne
"If you two don't work this out RIGHT NOW, I'm turning this invasion around and going home!" - Emperor Cole
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Yes... yes it would. |
Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
Would a:
Gigabyte GA-EG31M-52 be a model number for a motherboard? |
It's actually the GA-EG31M-S2 ("ess" not "five"), as it turns out.
Here it is:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/pro...px?pid=2806#ov
There seem to be two revisions of that board, can you tell whether yours is Rev. 1 or Rev. 2? It should say on the board near the model number.
Whichever revision you have, you'll want to go to the "Downloads" section and find the "Intel INF installation" file for Windows XP, that has the drivers for your chipset (possibly including the USB ports).
TargetOne
"If you two don't work this out RIGHT NOW, I'm turning this invasion around and going home!" - Emperor Cole
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When stuff like this happens and simply reinstalling the drivers for both the Host and any USB devices doesn't work, then it definitely sounds like the ports are fried. Hopefully it's just the ports, but this has the chance of being an early symptom of a dying board. Keep that in mind when pricing fixes
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Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
What I've done to try to fix it:
1) Run the Windows troubleshooter, and perform all the fixes it suggests Yeah, the builtin windows troubleshooter is more like calling india for tech support without the phone. ;-) 4) Download new drivers, but tough to do, since I can't type in the model numbers, and I don't want to pay for a driver finder (not like I could put in any info anyways) Not a fan of those anyway as your issue is likely failed ports/host at this point. |
Thanks for all the help, all. Will try some of these solutions tonight, and see how they go. If it is a sign that the motherboard is dying...at least my birthday is coming up. Still, I'd love to get this fixed BEFORE double XP weekend.
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus
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Just spoke with a friend at Gigabyte. You can try reinstalling the drivers, but he's kinda sure the ports are fried or on their way to it.
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Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
Thanks for all the help, all. Will try some of these solutions tonight, and see how they go. If it is a sign that the motherboard is dying...at least my birthday is coming up. Still, I'd love to get this fixed BEFORE double XP weekend.
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Clicking on the linked image above will take you off the City of Heroes site. However, the guides will be linked back here.
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First off, thank you. That's awesome that you have a friend there to ask for this.|
Originally Posted by Hyperstrike
Just spoke with a friend at Gigabyte. You can try reinstalling the drivers, but he's kinda sure the ports are fried or on their way to it.
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Secondly, if that is the case, what kind of motherboard would you recommend I get to replace it?
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus
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I was guessing your USB control chip on the board being fried too.|
Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
First off, thank you. That's awesome that you have a friend there to ask for this.
Secondly, if that is the case, what kind of motherboard would you recommend I get to replace it? |
I'm quite enjoying the performance of my motherboard, and at a good price even when I bought it almost 2 years ago:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-13130261-L09C
Darn, it seems it's out of stock at Newegg. I would recommend MSI boards though.
I don't recommend EVGA boards. The first and only one I bought from them, more expensive than the above MSI, had a Foxconn CPU socket that rendered the motherboard completely dead.
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This might be a silly question, but... do your USB ports work at all outside of Windows ?|
Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
The USB ports aren't recognized
The computer says there was a malfunction, and that the drives aren't recognized It gives me a little pop-up to click to fix it, but it's the window's troubleshooter, and therefore fairly useless. |
I assume your keyboard is still plugged in to one of your USB ports, right ?
When you turn on a computer, you usually get a black screen with the logo of the BIOS manufacturer and some kind of prompt: "Press F1 to enter BIOS", "Press F12 for Boot Menu", etc.
If you try to press those keys while in that initial screen, what happens ? Can you get to the BIOS settings screen, or the Boot Menu, or whatever other options you might have ?
If it flashes by to quicky for you to press anything, you have another chance to test it by pressing F8 as soon as you get the grey/white on black prompt "Loading Windows"...
If you can get any response at all, then the USB ports ARE working, but not in Windows
-> it's likely a driver/software issue.
If you cannot
-> it's a motherboard/physical issue.
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Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
Nothing plugged into the drives work, or even shows that it's getting power.
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Keep NCSoft from shutting down City of Heroes : http://www.change.org/petitions/ncso...city-of-heroes
Arch,
The keyboard actually has it's Num Lock/Caps Lock/Function Lock lights blink, but I can't get to the BIOS screen. The keyboard doesn't work outside of Windows, it just blinks at me, mockingly.
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus
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Blinking... blinking is not good... it does look like Hyperstrike's friend is right and your motherboard is on its way to Motherboard's Heaven...|
Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
Arch,
The keyboard actually has it's Num Lock/Caps Lock/Function Lock lights blink, but I can't get to the BIOS screen. The keyboard doesn't work outside of Windows, it just blinks at me, mockingly. |
* takes off his hat and mourns the dearly departed motherboard *
"Sorry for your loss, man..."
Seriously, at that point I would :
a) look at a motherboard replacement,
b) maybe look at the PCI USB card option as a temporary solution if buying a new motherboard is not feasible/desirable at the moment.
Exemple of a quick search for these on NewEgg
Best of luck, and keep us posted !
Keep NCSoft from shutting down City of Heroes : http://www.change.org/petitions/ncso...city-of-heroes
There are plenty of socket 775 MBs for sale at newegg in the $45-60 range. Its really a question of budget. If you have a "decent" 775 CPU then it might be worth spending for a new MB.
The reality is, 775 is pretty outdated and even low end Sandy Bridge CPUs are much faster and fairly inexpensive. However, $60 is a cheap fix but I don't like spending money on 6 year old Computer tech.
H: Blaster 50, Defender 50, Tank 50, Scrapper 50, Controller 50, PB 50, WS 50
V: Brute 50, Corruptor 50, MM 50, Dominator 50, Stalker 50, AW 50, AS 50
Top 4: Controller, Brute, Scrapper, Corruptor
Bottom 4: (Peacebringer) way below everything else, Mastermind, Dominator, Blaster
CoH in WQHD
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However, upgrading will entail upgrading more than just the CPU - need to factor in DDR3 RAM as well. If you keep everything at the low end to keep costs down, I don't think you'd be gaining much of anything. Sometimes, depending on what you're looking to do in the future, it pays to spend as little as possible on the older tech until you save up enough to really make a leap forward.
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Originally Posted by newchemicals
There are plenty of socket 775 MBs for sale at newegg in the $45-60 range. Its really a question of budget. If you have a "decent" 775 CPU then it might be worth spending for a new MB.
The reality is, 775 is pretty outdated and even low end Sandy Bridge CPUs are much faster and fairly inexpensive. However, $60 is a cheap fix but I don't like spending money on 6 year old Computer tech. |
Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm ...
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Well, you COULD try getting an identical board (though if you're Ver1 and it's Ver2 you may run into issues just booting Windows. Also, those boards are out-of-date enough that you're going to have problems finding them.|
Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
First off, thank you. That's awesome that you have a friend there to ask for this.
Secondly, if that is the case, what kind of motherboard would you recommend I get to replace it? |
If you're up for doing a fast-n-clean Windows reinstall in time for DXPW,
Asus Option
Gigabyte Option
Also, both those boards come with legacy PS2 connectors as well, just in case.
Clicking on the linked image above will take you off the City of Heroes site. However, the guides will be linked back here.
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That's what I normally do. I've had the same processor for over three years now, a Core2Quad Q9550. At the time it cost $300. Now, I know that even an i3 2100 would perform similarly for $120, but why go through the whole upgrade if it's just going to perform marginally better? It works very well with everything I throw at it; so, I am waiting until I have an actual *reason* to upgrade it. When I do, it'll most likely be a jump to another high end processor that will also last me 5 years.|
Originally Posted by PerfectStorm
Sometimes, depending on what you're looking to do in the future, it pays to spend as little as possible on the older tech until you save up enough to really make a leap forward.
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I've upgraded "around" the processor, though. New motherboard for DDR3 memory support, a bunch of RAM, 2TB hard disks (fortunately before the price went to heck last year). But the processor itself? Haven't felt the need for more speed.
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Thanks to @EnsonsDeath for the GVE code that made me VIP again!
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WARNING!!!|
Originally Posted by Hyperstrike
If you're up for doing a fast-n-clean Windows reinstall in time for DXPW,
Asus Option Gigabyte Option |
Both boards state "Memory Standard: DDR3 1066/800". His board, GA-EG31M-S2, has 2 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets. The memory he currently has will not work! Add some 8GB of DDR3 to the shopping list.
That said, I will vouch for the ASUS board:
Never had a problem with these.
www.SaveCOH.com: Calls to Action and Events Calendar
This is what 3700 heroes in a single zone looks like.
Thanks to @EnsonsDeath for the GVE code that made me VIP again!
Okay, so the USB ports are indeed dead.
Now the question becomes whether I buy a whole new computer, or just get a new motherboard. But if the board is that out of date, and I'm going to need other new components to go along with it, is it just time to bite the bullet and buy a new computer?
I might be able to wrangle up about a grand for it if I needed to, and I'd love an option that gets me up and running before this weekend, but I'll do what I need to do.
Edit-> On the bright side, I can now take a high-res picture of any component you want to see from my comp, since they're spread out on my kitchen table right now.
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus
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Possibly. What processor do you have? If it's a low-midrange processor, it's time to move on. Remember that if you just change the motherboard, you will likely need new memory too, as DDR2 motherboards are hard to find right now.
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Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
Now the question becomes whether I buy a whole new computer, or just get a new motherboard. But if the board is that out of date, and I'm going to need other new components to go along with it, is it just time to bite the bullet and buy a new computer?
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www.SaveCOH.com: Calls to Action and Events Calendar
This is what 3700 heroes in a single zone looks like.
Thanks to @EnsonsDeath for the GVE code that made me VIP again!
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Had a single-core Intel processor, and most motherboards would be dual-core now, right? At least good ones?
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Originally Posted by Leandro
Possibly. What processor do you have? If it's a low-midrange processor, it's time to move on. Remember that if you just change the motherboard, you will likely need new memory too, as DDR2 motherboards are hard to find right now.
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Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus
Personally I would take your issue as a sign that it's time for new toys and buy myself a new mobo, CPU and RAM at a minimum. I've built a couple of non-gaming rigs in the last year and you can do that for anywhere from around $150 (pretty low end) to $600 (good board, i7 and plenty of RAM).
I'm not up on the latest hardware... it's been about 6 months since my last build... but you should be able to get a nice mobo/CPU/RAM combo for around $250 or so. I've had good luck with Asus and MSI; haven't built a Gigabyte board yet but they're well rated.
Oh, if you get over 4GB of RAM remember you'll need to add a copy of Win7 64 bit to your shopping list @ around $120. XP only sees a max of 4GB.
Right now I've been debating upgrading myself; like Leandro I'm still running a Core2Quad Q9550. I've upgraded to an SSD boot drive and tossed a 275GTX vid card in and it's still ok, although it is starting to show it's age. Still, it does what I need and for the moment I'll probably save the money until something breaks and gives me an excuse or I need more horsepower for something.
<edit>
Your old CPU is only single core? Then it's definitely time to retire it; I'd consider one of the new i5 quad core CPU's as they seem to be a good bang for the buck.
If you're feeling wealthy you COULD go with a pair of hex core Xeon CPU's for 12 cores of goodness. 
I had to build a new video editing machine in August (lightning strike melted the old one via surge through the NIC) and that's what I used. Only cost $3k for the CPU's and $500 for the mobo and it really does scream
. It's just barely conceivable that may be overkill for you however...
COH has just been murdered by NCSoft. http://www.change.org/petitions/ncso...city-of-heroes
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If you can put a grand out, I'd recommend going new system. That said, you may want to do a quick-shop at your local outlets.|
Originally Posted by Aett_Thorn
Okay, so the USB ports are indeed dead.
Now the question becomes whether I buy a whole new computer, or just get a new motherboard. But if the board is that out of date, and I'm going to need other new components to go along with it, is it just time to bite the bullet and buy a new computer? I might be able to wrangle up about a grand for it if I needed to, and I'd love an option that gets me up and running before this weekend, but I'll do what I need to do. Edit-> On the bright side, I can now take a high-res picture of any component you want to see from my comp, since they're spread out on my kitchen table right now. |
The advice below is taking for granted you don't mind building.
If you order tomorrow morning, you could get your stuff on rush shipping on Friday morning. Use the guides here on the forums for moving your CoH install. You can have a bare and spare Windows install with all the patches in a couple hours.
You can also save some cash (or get a slightly beefier system) by transplanting some of the stuff you have now (CD/DVD, HD, etc).
If you REALLY are in Tyson's Corner, VA, DEFINITELY go to the local MicroCenter for your processor!
They have the i5 2500K for $180.
Newegg price is $220!
The board I'm recommending is $125 on Newegg and $120 at MicroCenter.
Granted, there's tax. But look at it as the "rush shipping" charge.
Going to give you as much stuff from MicroCenter as I can. This way it's one-stop shopping. In, out, and you can have a system up in a day or so.
Motherboard
CPU
With the rush, I want stuff guaranteed compatible.
Not a big fan of memory with LEDs on it but this stuff is compatible.
From Newegg
From Crucial directly
These from MicroCenter should work as well. You're paying less for lower CAS rating and making up a little of the difference in tax.
Case Suggestion
Cheaper Case Suggestion
PSU
CPU Cooler
If for some reason your old hard drive isn't SATA
If for some reason your old optical isn't SATA
Right there that has you at $825.
You could carry your current video card over from the old system (This close to nVidia's new release? I would! Prices on current items are going to drop as soon as they hit the shelves.)
If you're NOT running Win7, I'd recommend it at this time.
Windows 7 Home Premium Make sure you get the 64-bit version!
Now, if you know someone who goes to college, I by no means recommend that you see about purchasing an Educational Copy of Win7 Pro 64-bit through them for $70!
Okay, in one stop you can get a more or less complete system
Case, PSU
CPU, Cooler
Motherboard, Memory
HDD, CD/DVD
OS
Factoring in a 10% sales tax, you'll walk out of MicroCenter lighter by about $950
If your HD/Optical are already SATA, carve off $170
If you're already sporting a copy of Win7 64-bit, carve off another $110
Also, there's a couple of small mail-in rebates to be had to bring the final price down some. You just have to wait for that money.
If the above two cases are true, you're all set for a HELLACIOUS upgrade to your video card later this month. As I said, if your graphics are "acceptable" right now, go with it. The new system will help stabilize them at higher levels since they'll be able to keep the GPU under full utilization at all times.
If you DO mind building, you already know what your range is:
Here's what Microcenter should have on hand
Or, if you have a hardware geek friend who's not afraid of building, spend that leftover $50 on pizza and beer (or soda, depending on age/preference) and ask him to build it for ya.
Clicking on the linked image above will take you off the City of Heroes site. However, the guides will be linked back here.
I'm not completely against building my own comp, but I've done that before (with this comp), so I think this time around I'll just get one that's pre-made. Maybe I'll scavenge the video card from my current comp, since it's not that bad, until Christmas or something like that. Thanks for all the help, all, and the suggestions for a new computer. I'll look into them.
Edit -> I'm guessing that this mobo is too old, but it would be free from my brother-in-law. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but this seems to only take up to 1 gig sticks of DDR RAM, which isn't too useful if I have two sticks of 2 GB DDR2 RAM.
http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/...ds/1188_1.html
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus
Hey everyone,
So, on my main computer, I've run into a problem. The computer seems to have stopped liking the USB host controllers or the jacks. Which is absolutely fantastic, since my mouse and keyboard are usb-dependent. I was able to find a usb -> ps2 port converter for my mouse, but I can't really google or type anything, which makes it tough to search for help on that computer. So, I highjacked my fiance's compt to ask for help. I say this because I can't give you many details on the other computer or post the typical reports that might help you to help me diagnose the problem.
System:
Self-built, running Windows XP SP3. Can't remember the motherboard type or processors.
Now, what the problem is:
The USB ports aren't recognized
The computer says there was a malfunction, and that the drives aren't recognized
It gives me a little pop-up to click to fix it, but it's the window's troubleshooter, and therefore fairly useless.
Nothing plugged into the drives work, or even shows that it's getting power.
What I've done to try to fix it:
1) Run the Windows troubleshooter, and perform all the fixes it suggests
2) Uninstall the USB Host Controllers, reboot the computer a few times to have the re-install
3) Run Windows Updater
4) Download new drivers, but tough to do, since I can't type in the model numbers, and I don't want to pay for a driver finder (not like I could put in any info anyways)
So what's next? Are they just dead, and I need to get new parts? Is there something I can do while only having a mouse to do it?
Thanks. I'll try to get anyone more info if I can, but I can't post from that computer.
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus