BleepingComputer.com: USB ports not working

hey everyone i'm new here but i'll try to be as specific as i can,

i built my computer a few years ago, and upgraded it since then, and my usb ports used to work, now they show up in device manager all ok, all drivers current and up to date, but they cant run my webcam or a keyboard or mouse etc. although they will power objects like an mp3 player or my phone, so they have power but they dont work.

i have an asus p5n-e sli socket 775 motherboard with bios version 0901, running windows 7

i havent flashed my bios before, but it can be risky just the same, so i figured somone might have a better answer before i kill my computer hehe.

i didnt figure i needed to list any other specs, but if so feel free to ask, and thanks for listening thus far :-)

With the mention of the mouse and keyboard I have to wonder if these are still enabled in the BIOS. If this is an option a low CMOS battery could cause the BIOS to revert to the default settings disabling the USB mouse and keyboard.

sorry, my usb ports are enabled, the ports, legacy, and 2.0, but i cant see my mouse or keyboaard in my bios.....

This post has been edited by KingKoopa85: 13 November 2010 - 12:15 AM

If they are showing up in the BIOS as enabled then the battery isn't the problem.

I'm guessing that you are using a PS/2 keyboard and mouse for now?

Open the device manager and right click on the first item which has the icon of the monitor in front of it and select Scan for hardware changes. Some times USB port don't wish to wake up, this has been used before to force it. See if this works with your web cam.

well, i have a usb card, that only allows 2 slots, and that works just fine, but because my keyboard needs 2 slots, i have an external 4 port extension so i can run my mouse and keyboard. the keyboard wont run on the extension, it has to have one of the usb connectors in the actual card, then the other goes in my 4 port extension as well as my mouse and webcam. i can get it working, but i have 4 ports that came with my motherboard and they dont work, i want to try out the usb 2.0 thing, but the only ones that support it dont work haha. thank you for responding btw

aslo i forgot to mention that i have a ps/2 keboard hooked up as well, because my computer wont boot when it cant find my usb keyboard, not having enough ports, i have to keep both plugged in haha, sad sad sad

This post has been edited by KingKoopa85: 13 November 2010 - 12:33 AM

This isn't jiving with the specifications I'm seeing on this motherboard. There should be four rear panel USB ports, and four onboard headers for USB ports. I'm guessing that the external card is connected to the onboard headers?

Are the four ports that aren't working the rear panel ports?

Have you examined these to be sure they aren't shorting out to the case?

Why does you keyboard require two USB ports?

its a pci usb card that i am using, and then a 4 port extension ran out of the card

and yes the four rear panel ports are the ones not working

how would i be able to tell if they were shorting out to the case?

it requires 2 because it has light up keys, so i can type in any lighting (razer lycosa)

Did these four rear panel ports ever work?

yes sir they did, a long time ago hehe

A simple thing to try would be to spritz them out with a little compressed air
Maybe they are dirty

I would not flash the BIOS unless you are having an issue that the BIOS update addresses.
If the flash fails you could end up with a paperweight

i will try that thank you! :-)