
There are many possible causes for PC USB ports not working, which include hardware failure, a lack of drivers, or certain options in the BIOS. In many cases, the problem can be fixed easily and without expert help. Use this article to find out if the basic troubleshooting methods will work for you.
On many modern computers, BIOS allows users to enable or disable xHCI, which is a connection mode that allows USB 3.0 ports to be used to their full extent. It can also be a cause for severe stutter and lag on USB keyboards and mice. If your mouse and keyboard lag in the BIOS interface, or if USB stopped working suddenly while you’re using your system, try disabling xHCI.
Note that without xHCI, your USB 3.0 ports will be functionally identical to 2.0 ports. This can be limiting if you use the ports for high-bandwidth tasks, such as data transfer.
Sometimes, operating systems require motherboard drivers for complete USB support. Installing the drivers for all your hardware on a fresh OS is always a good practice, especially with USB not connecting. They can easily be found on vendor sites, or even found automatically on Windows.
If your system is being regularly updated, the latest available drivers have likely already been installed by Windows Update.
Note: Be very careful when searching for drivers this way. Make sure that you download them from the official website - the address can often be found in your motherboard’s manual or on the packaging.
In some cases, the problem is entirely caused by the hardware. USB ports, especially ones that have been in active use for years, tend to fail from constant tension or friction. Here are some telltale signs of physical damage if you have problems with USB ports not working:
The only thing that can be done for a damaged port is replacement. Resoldering is a risky procedure, so keep in mind that a repair shop may return the board in a completely inoperable state. It’s best to have a temporary replacement.