USB's no longer work

Windows XP computer, just noticed the usb ports are not working. error message - USB device not recognized. gone back to previous restore point when i knew they were operating but problem still exists. USB's used to charge iphone etc, used different ports on computer and monitor, all have same message.

Hi TTGSC, Sorry to hear of the USB problem on Win XP.

Here's a link to a tutorial by Ztruker that deals with some of the solutions that have proved helpful in solving these issues in the past.

http://forums.whatthetech.com/index.php?showtopic=97497

If you follow all the suggestions there's a good chance that you will be able to fix the trouble.
Regards

paws

Sorry i havent got back to you, it has been quite a challenge negotiating windows without a mouse. fixed the USB problem by of all things turning the PC off at the power point and restarting after a minute or so. problem 1 fixed. problem 2 - wired optical logitech usb mouse, the dayam thing lights up but i cant get the cursor to move, hence still using the keyboard to get around windows. any ideas?

HiTTSCG. Well done! That's 50% of the problem sorted out, so lets see if we can get a mouse working. 1 Try a different wired mouse (not the one you have been using…..) any luck? 2 Try it in different USB ports, with a reboot in between each attempt……any luck? 3 You did not mention the make of your computer, but if it has a PS2 port (green coloured usually) for a mouse, then try a PS2 mouse in it (the computer must be off when you insert the PS2 and only started up once its secure in the PS2 port….any luck? Post back and let us know how you get on. Regards paws

Paws played around like a zombie, geez its a trick to work around windows via the keyboard. cntl this and alt that, in saying that, played around in safe mode and the mouse started working, lets see what happens in normal mode - bingo the bloody thing started working. love to give you a scientific response as to how i achieved this feast but im putting it done to dumb arse luck thanks for your help Kev.

Hi Kev Magic! Those sort of things, sometimes happen with Windows! Glad you got it fixed. Regards paws

it might also be a sign the mouse is failing, they do stop working quite frequently, i'd buy a cheap backup mouse just in case it stops working again. i have a mouse here that works sometimes but not at others, no idea exactly why, and another that just stopped working and hasn't since, both light up so look like are working correctly even tho they don't.