The computer’s USB port is one of the most fragile pieces of hardware on the PC because it is exposed to dust and dirt, which deteriorate it over time. In addition, it can also be affected by viruses, buggy updates, lack of power, etc.
This way, if you are having problems with the USB port on your PC, here you will find what could be the possible causes that are causing the failure. Likewise, also the solutions that exist for each type of problem.
Causes of a USB port not working
If your USB port is not working, this may be due to one of the following causes:
– Dirt: If you have not performed maintenance on the port, dust could be blocking the connectors to the point that they will not make contact with your peripherals. In this case it is necessary to clean the USB port.
-Physical damage: On the other hand, it could also be physical damage; it is normal that due to use the port loses some of its connectors, which will prevent it from pairing with other devices.
– Lack of energy: USB ports have a small amount of power that is used to power the devices you connect. When there is little or no power, the port will fail to pair with the device.
Solutions to fix the USB port
Try these solutions to get your USB port working perfectly again:
– Reinstall the USB port driver: Computers receive updates constantly and this could affect the operation of the port software. To update, type “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar and click on the option.
The system will redirect you to the Control Panel, there select the drive named “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”. Right click on each of the options and choose “Uninstall device.”
When finished, restart the computer and Windows will automatically reinstall each of the drivers in their most recent version, which could fix the error.
– Unsuspend USB: USB suspension prevents this port from having the necessary power to connect to a peripheral. To remove the feature, do the following: type “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and enter it.
Once there, go to “Hardware and Sound” and select “Power Options”. Now, go to “Change plan settings”, you will see various alternatives, choose “Change advanced power settings”.
Finally, a floating window will open, lower the cursor a little and click on “USB Settings”. Tap “USB Selective Sleep Settings”, you will see two options: “On Battery” and “On AC Power”. Click on each option and choose “Disabled”. Then, press “OK” to confirm the changes.
– Scan the computer with an antivirus: Malware may be the cause of the USB port not responding, a simple scan with the antivirus will help you detect if there is an invader on your PC and quarantine it so that the fault can be solved.
– Check the status of the USB port: If the port is full of dust and debris, you can clean it with a Q-tip and some alcohol to remove the dirt. On the contrary, if it is in poor condition and lacks some connection pins, it is a useless connector.
If your computer has other USB ports, test them, if you can connect the device without problems, this means that the port you were trying to use is damaged.
– Install pending updates: A pending system update could solve the problem, since many of these packages aim to repair various Windows errors.
To update, you just have to go to Windows “Settings”, click on “Windows Update” and then press the “Check for updates” option.
– Restart the computer: A simple restart of the PC can kill any background processes that are preventing the USB port from functioning properly. This will make the computer restart the system and the problem will be solved.