Member Avatar for giannit

Hi,

My PC has 2 USB ports and only one of these works. If I plug into the other one nothing happens. Checked my bios set up and I only have one selection available for enabling USB. It is set properly since the one USB port works just fine.

Any ideas???

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by nizzy1115

Dani AI

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Short plan and context: reports one of two USB ports never worked while the other is fine. raised a hardware angle earlier. To fix this you want to separate “no power (VBUS)” from “no data/recognition.” The quickest non-destructive checks are OS-level enumeration and a simple powered-device test; if those are inconclusive, proceed to a controlled voltage check.

Practical, safe checks to try first:

  • Plug a known-good USB device (flash drive, USB lamp, phone) into each port and watch the OS. On Windows open Device Manager and watch the Universal Serial Bus controllers while you plug/unplug; on Linux run lsusb before and after plugging in.
  • If the device draws power (light or charging) but doesn’t enumerate, the problem is likely the data lines or controller. If it does not draw power at all, the port’s VBUS is missing.

How to check VBUS safely:

  • Use a USB power meter (cheapest and safest), or make a short test cable with the outer insulation stripped so you can measure the red (VBUS) and black (GND) wires with a multimeter set to DC volts. For a Type-A port the pins/colors are: VBUS = red (pin 1), D- = white, D+ = green, GND = black (pin 4).
  • If you must probe the connector on the board, turn the system off to open the case, ground yourself, then power it on only when ready to measure. Avoid touching or shorting pins.

Interpreting results and next steps:

  • If ~5V is present but no enumeration: try different cables/devices, reinstall USB controllers/drivers, or suspect a failed hub/controller or data-line damage.
  • If no 5V: trace the header or look for a blown/resettable fuse near the connector or an unconnected front-panel harness.
    If unsure or uncomfortable with probing, replacing the front-panel assembly or using an external powered USB hub are low-risk options.

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Member Avatar for nizzy1115

It is possible for the port to go bad itself or that the wireing to the port maybe loose. Also, if it is a usb port that is mounted on the front of the case, the wire leads going to the motherboard may be loose as well.

Member Avatar for giannit

Thanks for the reply. I considered that but the USB ports are both on the same "component"... so wiring is not likely to be any issue. Also, the one that doesn't work never worked at all. I didn't worry about it at first. I am just now trying to get it to work so I can plug something else in without having to unplug and replug in my new (USB port only) printer.

Is there any way I can test the second port to see if it is even powered up?

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

You could always get a product similar to this: I have this exact model, and for 10 bucks shipped you cant beat 5 extra usb 2.0 ports on your computer. I've had it for about 2 years and its been working great.

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