Member Avatar for GrimJack

For some reason Windoze thinks that my USB port(s) is/are unknow devices when I try to update the drivers it tells me the drivers are current. I get a message "sfotware for this device has been installed; unknown device is ready to use. Most things 9except for my mouse and cooling fans, don't seem to connect - hell they don't even recharge when plugged in.

Any suggestions?

  • 4 Contributors
  • 5 Replies
  • 277 Views
  • 9 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by CimmerianX

Dani AI

Generated

— the symptom set (Windows reporting "Unknown device", drivers claiming to be current, and most USB peripherals failing to enumerate or even charge while the mouse and fans work) points to two possible paths: driver/Windows corruption or a USB power/controller hardware fault. The chipset-driver and driver-clean ideas from and are sensible first steps, but the charging behavior and sudden onset make targeted diagnostics useful before reflashing BIOS or reinstalling everything.

Check the device identity and system errors first. In Device Manager open the Unknown Device -> Properties -> Details and choose "Hardware Ids" to capture strings like USB\VID_XXXX&PID_YYYY. Those IDs give the exact vendor/device to search for the correct driver. Also review Event Viewer (Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Event Viewer -> Windows Logs -> System) for USB/PNP errors recorded when devices are plugged in; the log entries often name the failing driver or error code.

Power and firmware checks next. Try a known-good powered USB hub or test the same devices on another computer; if they charge there but not on the laptop, the problem is likely the laptop’s USB power rail or controller. Check BIOS for USB power/charging options and disable USB selective suspend in Power Options (Control Panel -> Power Options -> Change plan settings -> Change advanced power settings -> USB settings -> USB selective suspend setting -> Disabled).

Cleanup and system repair commands that help find and remove ghost drivers:

set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
start devmgmt.msc

Then in Device Manager choose View -> Show hidden devices and uninstall greyed-out USB entries. From an elevated command prompt run sfc /scannow to repair system files.

Caution: BIOS updates and motherboard replacements carry risk—only perform them if a vendor fix or shop diagnosis supports it. If ports remain powerless after the above, the fault is increasingly likely hardware-level (failed power regulator or USB controller) and professional repair is recommended.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for GrimJack

I did google it and the answers.microsoft.com advice did not work- I shut the thing down, unplugged it, waited for a bit, and I still get the USB devices failed. I will keep looking but - sigh!

When I go to device manager it says 'unknown device' then it is updated and says USB composit device, then I get the error and it becomes unknown device.

Edited by GrimJack
Member Avatar for GrimJack

I did google it and the answers.microsoft.com advice did not work- I shut the thing down, unplugged it, waited for a bit, and I still get the USB devices failed. I will keep looking but - sigh!

Member Avatar for gerbil

.

Edited by gerbil
Member Avatar for PcTestCards.com

I would suggest we install the latest mobo chipset driver again and must reboot the computer after that.

Most USB software issue can be corrected.

Hope this helps.
Bill
Tech Manager, WPTinc.

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

2 things.

1) Did you allow windows update to upgrade any hardware drivers? I usually tell people not to use the win drivers. Instead, it is better to go with drivers from the manufacturers.

2) Have you updated or removed any hardware drivers recently?

Some things you can safely try.
1) Go to your PC or motherboard manufacturer and get the latest drivers. Rerun the installs and see what happens.

2) Boot into safe mode. Run Device manager. Delete the USB ports from the driver list. Now reboot into normal mode, the PC should autodetect the hardware and prompt you for drivers. Either provide the location of the manufacturer drivers or rerun the manufacturer setup.

See if that helps.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.