Member Avatar for Oohlalasophia

Well firsty, sometimes when my computer gets unexpected restarted or the power goes out (whenever the computer is not shut down really) when I go to turn it back on my optical mouse doesn't work. So therefore It cannot trigger my moniter on. Which is never been a HUGE problem because it starts working again after a couple of hours.

But now it wont work at all! No matter what mouse I try in the USB ports, it doesn't work and the red optical light doesn't come on. So I can't use my computer! Please help me!!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by gdrori

Dani AI

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Based on 's report (multiple mice tried, red LED never lights after unexpected restarts) and 's suggestion about a motherboard fault, the goal is to separate a hardware-power problem from a software/driver or front-panel wiring problem. The following is a short, safe checklist and a few practical workarounds.

Quick noninvasive checks:

  • Try the rear motherboard USB ports first (not the front-panel ports). Use a simple powered device such as a flash drive or phone cable. If rear ports power devices but front ports do not, the front-panel header/cable is the likely suspect.
  • Enter BIOS/UEFI with the keyboard during POST and confirm USB controllers / “USB Legacy Support” are enabled. If a mouse LED is dark even in BIOS, the port is not supplying VBUS power.
  • In the OS (Windows): open Device Manager, uninstall all USB Host Controller entries and reboot so the drivers reinstall; also disable power-saving on USB Root Hubs. These steps rule out driver/power-management problems.
  • Do a full power reset: shut down, unplug the PSU, press and hold the PC power button 10–15 seconds, wait a minute, then power back on.

If internal inspection is acceptable:

  • With the PSU unplugged and proper grounding, check the front-panel USB cable on the motherboard for mis-seating or a swapped connector; look for bent pins, scorch marks, or loose screws that could short the header. Reseat the cable carefully.
  • A quick workaround when motherboard VBUS is dead: a small powered USB hub provides its own 5V and will let a mouse work even if the motherboard’s USB power rail is faulty.

When to escalate:

  • If all ports (rear and front) are unpowered, or visible damage is present, the fault is likely motherboard or PSU related. Given the earlier motherboard tinkering, asking the friend what was changed or taking the machine to a repair shop/manufacturer service is advisable, especially if under warranty. Grounding and unplugging before any internal work is essential.

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Member Avatar for gdrori

maybe the motherboard/ USB ports are malfunctioning. Contact your PC manufacturer if they can help.

Member Avatar for Oohlalasophia

Well last year a friend did mess around with the motherboard and swap some things around. Thats probably exactly what it is. I'll take it to a computer guy tomorrow! Thankyou!

Member Avatar for gdrori

No problem.

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