USB Power/Devices

[Gray]

For a few months i have had a problem with my USB devices, which i havent had the time (*cough*) to get around til until now.

Basically i have a number of devices at the moment, some which infact arent needed (So i have removed)

Generic 4port USB Hub, no external power necessary.
Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter.
Corsair Flash Voyager Memory Stick (4gb i think)
Belkin 4port USB Hub -3 sections can be removed to become a single external USB port. Powered via mains.
Logitech USB Keyboard
Logitech MX1000 USB Mouse

I only just noticed that the Mouse/Keyboard are in respective USB ports.

Now, the problem is this: My Belkin USB Hub, Bluetooth adapter, Corsair Memory Stick no longer work on my computer. They DID about 2-3 months ago but suddenly stopped working for no explained reason.

I checked the Generic USB Hub that i have, the light on it is currently enabled, and it works fine. I tried it in several different/free USB Ports and it still worked fine. At this time i became concerned that somehow i may have had a USB power surge - Since the devices in question (Bluetooth/Memory Stick) where on the Belkin USB Hub, which was powered via the mains.

When i tried each of these individually, unlike the Generic USB hub, they did NOT work/light up. So therefor i felt as if they where somehow damaged. I then remember that i have a secondary computer, which i no longer use/isnt connected. I decided to connect it up and actually test these devices.

Upto now, my Memory Stick and Bluetooth Adapter work on this other computer -But not on my primary one. This has confused me greatly, because i was sure it should be able too.

No doubt i should be able to use more than 2 USB devices now, but seemingly it wont let me.

The motherboard in question is the Asus P5K Motherboard. Any ideas on how to get these 2 extra devices to come up and work again??

 

[MYstIC G]

Open up device manager and stick them in 1 by 1 and see what happens. If you get yellow !'s you've found your problem.

 

[Mazling]

Use CleanAfterMe - Clean Registry entries and files in your system to wipe your usb device list - you will need to unplug everything and plug them back in for them to work - including your mouse/keyboard!

 

[Kryten]

Sound advice from Mazling, it's more often than not a Windows issue than anything else. Something you can test easily if you've a linux live CD or similar lying around which at least eliminates a hardware issue.

You should be able to fill every single USB port with 500ma devices and it shouldn't bat an eyelid : for instance my P5K has my wireless keyboard & mouse adapter, an external HDD, 16in1 card reader thing (internal hub), xbox 360 pad and my steering wheel - then as and when needed also has my mobile phone cable, USB floppy and another HDD hooked up, all together without issue.

 

[Gray]

Hmm will have to check that shortly then.

On for instance, my Bluetooth adapter, it has the usual blue-flashing light to confirm its powered up. When i plug it into this present PC, the light does not flash. It flashes on the other PC though.

There is one snag with this motherboard though, even though it seems to be brilliant... It doesnt have a mouse PS/2 slot. I was gutted when i found out a few months ago.

With that program [CleanAfterMe] is it necessary to first install it, THEN remove the USB devices [Meaning that i am going to be without a fully functional mouse/keyboard -Basically screwed]. Dont think i have a PS/2 keyboard around now, which is going to make it... slightly more complicated...

 

[Kryten]

Might be best waiting until you do have one to hand, even borrowed from a friend or neighbour : it'll remove just about everything

Yeah, it's sort of a pain they removed the PS2 mouse connection but by rights they should have been long gone from PC's for the last couple of years, along with the keyboard one. Abit tried it with their entirely legacy free hardware and it wasn't very popular because people are often far too attached to their existing kit.
You'll certainly see less and less of them about these days.

 

[Gray]

Anyway just relised my other computer has a PS/2 Keyboard, so i'll grab that shortly.

Just a few questions before i commit myself to using that CleanAfterMe program. I havent accessed the Registry in a veryyyy long time. do i just tick the "Installed USB Devices" and click Clean? -After all my USB Devices have been removed?

And i think lastly, do i just need to physically remove the USB devices from the computer, and nothing else? [Drivers]. So when i plug them back in... They should be picked up automatically again yee?

 

[Kryten]

Pretty much. Before you do anything though, set a system restore point and do a manual backup of your registry (fire up regedit and export).