USB ports not working.. Please Help

Computer Forum General Hardware
1

I am running Windows 2000 SP4 on an old Iwill KK266 mb w/ Duron 750.

When I connect any USB device they are not detected. I have checked the BIOS and USB is enabled, but there is no mention of USB on my Device Manager. I’m thinking my mb may be on it’s way out, but I’ve had no other issues. Any help would be appreciated.

Here’s some info I got from BIOS Agent (Not sure if it’ll help):
BIOS Type: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
BIOS Date: 03/07/01
BIOS ID: 03/07/2001-8363-686B-6A6LMI3CC-00
OEM Sign-on: KK266/35103A (Mar.07.2001)
Super I/O: VIA 686 rev 64 found at port 7h
Chipset: VIA 82C305 rev 3
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Version: 5.0.2195 Service Pack 4

2

What USB devices are you connecting and how many at one time?

3

I’ve tried connecting a usb printer, flash card reader, and mp3 player… one at a time.

4

Okay, that shouldn’t be an issue.

No USB Root Hub in Device Manager, but is there any unknown hardware in there? If not, yeah, your USB ports might’ve bit the dust. At least a PCI USB card is pretty inexpensive.

5

No, there’s no unkown hardwar either… Do you know of any diagnostics that can be run?

6

Time to pick up a USB card. Something like this would work. $8+ shipping.

7

Thanks for the help. I think I’m just gonna check out a new mb combo.

8

i’ with BIG B on this one, if USB is enabled in the BIOS and it’s not visible in device manager then the USB controller is probably knackered, but you dont need to replace your M/B just the addition of a USB card is all that is required, i don’t think its a sign that your M/B is about to fail, but that would also fix the problem although i don’t know how your win 2000 installation would take the news of a new M/B, i know an install of winXP doesn’t like new M/B

9

Well, depending on what the needs are, the USB ports conking out might be the last straw to stop resisting to do an upgrade. That motherboard is probably around 5 years old, if I’m not mistaken.

10

[QUOTE=Big B]
Time to pick up a USB card. Something like this would work. $8+ shipping.
[/QUOTE]

I’m gonna have to disagree with the Ruler of B here.

I know I’ve got a long history of knocking VIA, but seriously their USB cards are awful - especially the cheaper ones

11

[QUOTE=megamaced]
but seriously their USB cards are awful - especially the cheaper ones
[/QUOTE]

I’ve just noticed that equality7 has a VIA 82C305 rev 3 Chipset. You’ve got an uphill struggle i’m afraid.

Control Panel > Add New Hardware

See if it picks up the VIA USB ports. If it doesn’t then try manually installing them by selecting USB > VIA > VIA Host Controller / VIA USB ROOT HUB