The un fixable problem Please help USB issue you are my hero if you figure this one

[LifterCatcher]

Well lets see where to start.........................

All of a sudden all my USB ports stopped working. When I plug in my camera or iPhone I get nothing no sound no pop up nothing. Also I can tell that the USB is not sending power because it will not charge my iPhone.

I have checked all USB ports in device manager and it says they are all working properly and have the current drivers. I uninstalled all the usb devices and then rebooted the PC to have the PC find the USB ports and try and reinstall the drivers. When doing this it pops up a little box saying found new hardware USB hub. However the USB devices still do not work.

I have checked in BIOS and everything checks out just fine.


I have unplugged the mother board from the power supply and also removed the bios battery to try and reset the mother board and this does not work. It still says in device manager that they are all working fine.

I have also upgraded my power supply from a 250 watt to 400 watt still nothing.

I have unplugged the front USB ports from the mother board and tried to us just the rear and vis virsa still nothing.


Folks I am at a loss here and have no idea what to do now? If you guys can offer any advise I would really appreciate it.


I think I have covered everything.

Catcher

[mjc]

Full system specs, please...

[Paul Komski]

Look through the various root hub properties to see what the power settings are and how they are distributed.

If there really is no power from the outer two of the four pins then either there is a system failure or the USB controller has turned it off to protect an excessive draw of power from somewhere. Are you just using one USB device to test the ports with?

The outer two pins are slightly longer than the inner data pins so that power is sent prior to activation of the data signals when a device is plugged in. The voltage should be between 4.75 and 5.25V with a max possible output of 500mA.

[Sylvander]

1. "When I plug in my camera or iPhone I get nothing no sound no pop up nothing."
Try this:
(a) Go to Device Manager->display devices "By Connection"->highlight the top device on the tree [the PC] and hit Numlock * then Numlock again.
Your USB sub-branch should be there with the USB devices missing from the bottom of the sub-branches [make sure the problem USB devices are not connected prior to this].

(b) Now plug in one of the USB devices.
If Windows detects the device the tree should collapse...
And then the tree should be rebuilt by Windows...
And your USB device should now be displayed.
That would indicate the device is being detected OK.

(c) Is the device [rather than just the Root Hub above it] shown as working normally?
My daughters' USB connected MP3 player [I think] wouldn't charge until I installed the correct driver for it.

2. I wonder if the hardware would work when running something like Knoppix 5.1.1 (http://iso.linuxquestions.org/knoppix/knoppix-5.1.1/) from a "live" CD?
The USB devices would need to be in place as Knoppix loaded.
Would/might test whether this was a hardware/BIOS-config problem or a Windows software/config problem.

[Paul Komski]

The USB devices would need to be in place as Knoppix loaded.In my experience you can add a usb device after Knoppix has booted to its desktop.

However trying a Linux Live CD is a good idea that could certainly help distinguish between a BIOS or a Windows controlling mechanism.

[LifterCatcher]

Thanks a lot guys I will try the above ideas and post back asap. In the mean time here are my system specs. ya I know its out dated



System Security Status
CIS Benchmark Score
Unknown
Available only for Windows 2000, XP Pro, and 2003


Virus Protection
Unknown
Unknown


Microsoft Security Updates
Alert!
21 missing



Computer Profile Summary
Computer Name:
Profile Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008 9:21:15 AM
Advisor Version: 7.2x
Windows Logon: Catcher

Click here for Belarc's System Management products, for large and small companies.

Operating System System Model
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (build 2600) powerspec4.1n ps5500
Enclosure Type: Desktop
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
1.80 gigahertz AMD Sempron
256 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache Board: RS482-M754
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD 6.00 PG 07/05/2005
Drives Memory Modules c,d
80.02 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
64.53 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

LITE-ON CD-RW SOHR-5239S [CD-ROM drive]

ST380011A [Hard drive] (80.03 GB) -- drive 0, s/n 5JVS7Q2C, rev 8.01, SMART Status: Healthy 1248 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot 'A0' has 256 MB
Slot 'A1' has 1024 MB
Local Drive Volumes


c: (NTFS on drive 0) 80.02 GB 64.53 GB free
Network Drives
None detected
Users (mouse over user name for details) Printers
local user accounts last logon
9/11/2008 2:38:55 AM (admin)
local system accounts
Administrator never (admin)
Guest never
HelpAssistant never
SUPPORT_388945a0 never

DISABLED Marks a disabled account; LOCKED OUT Marks a locked account
None detected
Controllers Display
Primary IDE Channel [Controller] (3x)
Secondary IDE Channel [Controller] (3x)
Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller (3x) None detected
Bus Adapters Multimedia
Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller (2x) None detected

[LifterCatcher]

1. "When I plug in my camera or iPhone I get nothing no sound no pop up nothing."
Try this:
(a) Go to Device Manager->display devices "By Connection"->highlight the top device on the tree [the PC] and hit Numlock * then Numlock again.
Your USB sub-branch should be there with the USB devices missing from the bottom of the sub-branches [make sure the problem USB devices are not connected prior to this].

(b) Now plug in one of the USB devices.
If Windows detects the device the tree should collapse...
And then the tree should be rebuilt by Windows...
And your USB device should now be displayed.
That would indicate the device is being detected OK.

(c) Is the device [rather than just the Root Hub above it] shown as working normally?
My daughters' USB connected MP3 player [I think] wouldn't charge until I installed the correct driver for it.

2. I wonder if the hardware would work when running something like Knoppix 5.1.1 (http://iso.linuxquestions.org/knoppix/knoppix-5.1.1/) from a "live" CD?
The USB devices would need to be in place as Knoppix loaded.
Would/might test whether this was a hardware/BIOS-config problem or a Windows software/config problem.

OK I tried this and I think I got it right. Hit numlock and then the * key and then numlock again?

I did this and nothing happened. Also I have tried mu iPhone and digital camera

[Sylvander]

You need to hold down [Numlock and *] both at the same time...
[Press Numlock then also press (or add) * so both are being pressed]

Then release those and then blip [press-release] Numlock again.
[this resets Numlock to on again. Necessary because Numlock would be switched off from the previous press & release].

[LifterCatcher]

Ok I will give that a try. I manualy expanded all the trees then plugged in the camera and nothing happened. They did not collapse or anything. If this does not work what else to try? Flasing the bios?

Also last night I did a system restore to a previous date that I knew the usbs worked and that did not help.


You need to hold down [Numlock and *] both at the same time...
[Press Numlock then also press (or add) * so both are being pressed]

Then release those and then blip [press-release] Numlock again.
[this resets Numlock to on again. Necessary because Numlock would be switched off from the previous press & release].

[Sylvander]

"then plugged in the camera and nothing happened"
With my camera I must plug it in and [most important] switch it on.
Only when my camera is both plugged in and [then?] switched on is it detected.
I've seen others' report on these forums different alternatives to a manual switch on the camera being used; it may be done using a control on the screen.
Then of course everything about the camera needs to be functional...
Like the cable connections being good.

[LifterCatcher]

"then plugged in the camera and nothing happened"
With my camera I must plug it in and [most important] switch it on.
Only when my camera is both plugged in and [then?] switched on is it detected.
I've seen others' report on these forums different alternatives to a manual switch on the camera being used; it may be done using a control on the screen.
Then of course everything about the camera needs to be functional...
Like the cable connections being good.


Correct I have tried several diffrent usb devices. IE iPhone, Camera, USB jump drive etc. Nothing

[mjc]

If you've tried several devices...have you tried any self-powered devices...printer, external hard drive, etc?

If the 'data' part of the USB controller is still working, but the 'power supply' isn't, you could end up with something that will accept the drivers and appear to be fine, but since it can't supply any power to the devices connected to it...isn't fine.

[LifterCatcher]

If you've tried several devices...have you tried any self-powered devices...printer, external hard drive, etc?

If the 'data' part of the USB controller is still working, but the 'power supply' isn't, you could end up with something that will accept the drivers and appear to be fine, but since it can't supply any power to the devices connected to it...isn't fine.

I will have to look around the house and see if I have anything that is self powered. Not sure that I do.

[saphalline]

IF USB device do not work from within a live Linux distro...

And IF the system will not boot from a USB device...

Then I suspect the power plane for USB on the mobo to be fried. A lot of if's, of course.

[LifterCatcher]

IF USB device do not work from within a live Linux distro...

And IF the system will not boot from a USB device...

Then I suspect the power plane for USB on the mobo to be fried. A lot of if's, of course.


Can you please explain in a little more detail about the Linux Distro? I have never used linux before in my life? Thanks

Catcher

[Paul Komski]

Many flavours or distros of Linux (Ubuntu, Knoppix, Slackware, etc) can be downloaded and burned onto a CD and if the iso is burned correctly the resulting CD will be bootable - also known as a Live CD and can be made to boot to a functional OS running from the CD. Its a great way to begin to get to know and use Linux because nothing is installed to the hard drive unless a decision to install it there is made.

The point regarding USB detection is that if the USB devices were recognised from a version of Linux but not from Windows then the problem is with Windows and not with the computer's underlying hardware.

If you want help setting up a Live CD then let us know. Ubuntu is probably as good as any for someone new to Linux.

[mjc]

A Linux LiveCD is a great way to help troubleshoot...it is a completely different OS than Windows so if the problem is software related it shouldn't carry over to Linux.

[LifterCatcher]

Many flavours or distros of Linux (Ubuntu, Knoppix, Slackware, etc) can be downloaded and burned onto a CD and if the iso is burned correctly the resulting CD will be bootable - also known as a Live CD and can be made to boot to a functional OS running from the CD. Its a great way to begin to get to know and use Linux because nothing is installed to the hard drive unless a decision to install it there is made.

The point regarding USB detection is that if the USB devices were recognised from a version of Linux but not from Windows then the problem is with Windows and not with the computer's underlying hardware.

If you want help setting up a Live CD then let us know. Ubuntu is probably as good as any for someone new to Linux.


Wow this sounds like my last resort to rule out the USB problems. I would love some help in getting it done. Can it be ran from a regular CD rom? I do not have a DVD drive in this PC?

Thanks

Catcher

[mjc]

http://www.knoppix.net/

For a copy of Knoppix. It comes in a CD 'flavor'...so, grab that.

http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Downloading_FAQ

Includes the burning instructions.

[LifterCatcher]

http://www.knoppix.net/

For a copy of Knoppix. It comes in a CD 'flavor'...so, grab that.

http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Downloading_FAQ

Includes the burning instructions.

Thanks I am downloading Ubuntu and I am at 88% should I try Ubuntu or stop it and try what you posted?

Catcher

[mjc]

Ubuntu is fine...I just prefer Knoppix

[LifterCatcher]

Ubuntu is fine...I just prefer Knoppix
ok now I am confused :) lol I downloaded all the fiels from Ubuntu and it says that I should have an iso file to burn to a cd? However out of all the files that downloaded of the 700megs I cannot find the iso file?

[mjc]

What are you looking at? It should be just one...maybe two files...an ISO and possibly an md5 file.

What OS did you download it in?

What burning program are you using?

[LifterCatcher]

What are you looking at? It should be just one...maybe two files...an ISO and possibly an md5 file.

What OS did you download it in?

What burning program are you using?

I downloaded Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Desktop Edition it down loaded a punch of files that needed to be extracted. I see no ISO file in all of this

I downloaded it in XP

using infra recorder

[mjc]

This is the ISO file...it shouldn't need to be 'opened'...

http://ftp.ussg.iu.edu/linux/ubuntu-releases/8.04/

PC Desktop CD...top link.

[Paul Komski]

Ubuntu is fine...I just prefer KnoppixI like Knoppix too and it probably has better hardware support out-of-the box. Ubuntu has the most "familiar-looking" interface for a lot of n00bs. A direct link to the EN v5.1.1 Knoppix iso (ftp://ftp.kernel.org/pub/dist/knoppix/KNOPPIX_V5.1.1CD-2007-01-04-EN.iso).

If there's any problem burning the iso images then grab BurnCDCC (http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/downloads-free-software.htm) or ImgBurn (http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download).

[LifterCatcher]

This is the ISO file...it shouldn't need to be 'opened'...

http://ftp.ussg.iu.edu/linux/ubuntu-releases/8.04/

PC Desktop CD...top link.

OK thanks but for some reson it asks me to open using winrar?

[Yoshi Fan]

You need a program that can burn this .ISO to disc. Open the .ISO with the program (or if there's an option on right click for burn to disc)

[LifterCatcher]

You need a program that can burn this .ISO to disc. Open the .ISO with the program (or if there's an option on right click for burn to disc)


Thank you I have infrarecorder that I downloaded it can burn an ISO image I will give this one last try.

I do have another question guys, If this does not work do you think if I upgrade the mother board it will fix the problem? I have been wanting to upgrade the mother board in this PC for a long time but have never got around to it.

On a side note I have never installed a mother board and I am not sure if it is all plug and play. Do I just take out the old mother board and put the new in?

Thanks

Catcher

[Sylvander]

"for some reson it asks me to open using winrar?"
Is that your web browser giving you the option to "Open" or "Save" the ISO file?

If so, you should save it to [some convenient folder on] your HDD rather than attempting t open it.

Once saved to your HDD...
You burn the image to a suitable type of optical disk [CD-RW or CD-R?]

Notice that on my own PC, if I wanted to attempt to Open the ISO file my PC's default program registered for doing so is "Nero Burning ROM".
Yours is apparently WinRAR. Ignore this option [don't click on it, or click the "Save" option if "Open" has already been "Chosen"]
.

[LifterCatcher]

"for some reson it asks me to open using winrar?"
Is that your web browser giving you the option to "Open" or "Save" the ISO file?

If so, you should save it to [some convenient folder on] your HDD rather than attempting t open it.

Once saved to your HDD...
You burn the image to a suitable type of optical disk [CD-RW or CD-R?]
.

Oh my...........LOL thank you so much. I owe you a beer or two :)

OK I got everything burned to the CD and it BOOTS kick ass :) But it asks me for a user log in name and passowrd and I have not set one up and nothing I try works? weird?

Catcher

[Paul Komski]

This seems to happen from time to time from posts on the ubuntu forums. Try checking the disk for errors (one of the options on the live cd when booted to) or check the MD5 value of the downloaded iso. Or try Knoppix.

[Sylvander]

I prefer Knoppix; seems to do more and do it more easily. :)

Really LOVE ImgBurn.

[LifterCatcher]

This seems to happen from time to time from posts on the ubuntu forums. Try checking the disk for errors (one of the options on the live cd when booted to) or check the MD5 value of the downloaded iso. Or try Knoppix.


OK thanks I got onto the ubuntu forums and you are correct this seems to happen a lot. I was able to burn a new cd at a very slow rate and check the integrity of the CD and everything checked out ok however it was still a bad cd. So I am going to try Knoppix, and see how that works.

I prefer Knoppix; seems to do more and do it more easily. :)

Really LOVE ImgBurn.

On a side not I was able to get some insight into my USB problem while trying to run Uduntu. Right after the install screen for for ubuntu the screen flashes pretty fast some errors when trying to load the OS, and one of those errors is "Bad USB cable"? Before trying to run a different OS I unplugged the usb cables from the mother board trying to narrow down the problem, however shouldn't the USB ports running right off the mother board still run?

OK I am going to DL and burn Knoppix

[LifterCatcher]

Well everyone I am posting this from KNOPPIX, I was able to download the file and burn the iso with no problems at all.

But guess what still NO working USB ports? So does this mean I need a new mother board?

Thanks

Catcher

[LifterCatcher]

I was able to use function in KNOPPIX called USB view to look at my USB ports. I wish I could do a print screen to post a picture for you guys but not sure how to do this and it will not let me copy the test. I says that I only have one 2.0 USB port and the rest are all 1.02 something? Not sure if this means anything.

BUt it does see the USB ports they just do not respond still arrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[mjc]

Open the console (Konsole) on the desktop and type

"lspci > pci.txt" (what is between the quotes)

Open the txt file (it should appear on the desktop). Then copy and paste the contents into a post...

[LifterCatcher]

tried this and nothing happened?

Is just moved down a line

knoppix@Knoppix:~$ lspci > pci.txt
knoppix@Knoppix:~$

[LifterCatcher]

/proc/bus/usb/devices that is the route ?

[LifterCatcher]

OK don't ask me how I found this lol but here it is.

T: Bus=03 Lev=00 Prnt=00 Port=00 Cnt=00 Dev#= 1 Spd=12 MxCh= 4
B: Alloc= 0/900 us ( 0%), #Int= 0, #Iso= 0
D: Ver= 1.10 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1
P: Vendor=0000 ProdID=0000 Rev= 2.06
S: Manufacturer=Linux 2.6.19 ohci_hcd
S: Product=OHCI Host Controller
S: SerialNumber=0000:00:13.1
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr= 0mA
I: If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 2 Ivl=255ms

T: Bus=02 Lev=00 Prnt=00 Port=00 Cnt=00 Dev#= 1 Spd=12 MxCh= 4
B: Alloc= 0/900 us ( 0%), #Int= 0, #Iso= 0
D: Ver= 1.10 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1
P: Vendor=0000 ProdID=0000 Rev= 2.06
S: Manufacturer=Linux 2.6.19 ohci_hcd
S: Product=OHCI Host Controller
S: SerialNumber=0000:00:13.0
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr= 0mA
I: If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 2 Ivl=255ms

T: Bus=01 Lev=00 Prnt=00 Port=00 Cnt=00 Dev#= 1 Spd=480 MxCh= 8
B: Alloc= 0/800 us ( 0%), #Int= 0, #Iso= 0
D: Ver= 2.00 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=01 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1
P: Vendor=0000 ProdID=0000 Rev= 2.06
S: Manufacturer=Linux 2.6.19 ehci_hcd
S: Product=EHCI Host Controller
S: SerialNumber=0000:00:13.2
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr= 0mA
I: If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 2 Ivl=256ms

[mjc]

When sent to a file, the output of lspci won't show anything on the screen. But if the pci.txt didn't show up on the desktop, it went somewhere else,, but it is there somewhere. If you open the file manager, you can search for it...I'd still like to see the output from it...

But, it isn't looking good. The logic part of the USB controller seems to be working as it is identified, but as someone suspected, earlier, the power plane is gone...the controllers are showing 0 mA for MaxPower...

[LifterCatcher]

When sent to a file, the output of lspci won't show anything on the screen. But if the pci.txt didn't show up on the desktop, it went somewhere else,, but it is there somewhere. If you open the file manager, you can search for it...I'd still like to see the output from it...

But, it isn't looking good. The logic part of the USB controller seems to be working as it is identified, but as someone suspected, earlier, the power plane is gone...the controllers are showing 0 mA for MaxPower...

Ok thank you....................I will search for it and let you know how the hunt works. So far knoppix is really nice, I love how it runs on my old out dated machine, nice and smooth :)

OK guys someone on another board gave me the idea to try and USB add device? I posted a picture will this work? Seems like it will pull power from teh MOBO? also its only $10.00 worth a try for sure :)

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/15-166-014-07.jpg

[mjc]

Yeah, you can disable the onboard USB and use an add in card...if you have an open PCI slot. But when things like the power for the USB start going out, it is getting very close to time to retire that motherboard...not dump more money into it.

[Paul Komski]

If you are going to get a pci card ensure it has USB 2 protocol. Such a card can be used in the future to expand the number of ports on any PC (with an available slot of course). As mjc has indicated if the mobo is not putting power to the ports the life of the mobo may be limited.

[LifterCatcher]

Yeah, you can disable the onboard USB and use an add in card...if you have an open PCI slot. But when things like the power for the USB start going out, it is getting very close to time to retire that motherboard...not dump more money into it.

I agree with you 100% put for $9.99, this will hold me out until I can learn how to build a PC I want to get all the reading in that I can and do it right :)

Catcher

[LifterCatcher]

If you are going to get a pci card ensure it has USB 2 protocol. Such a card can be used in the future to expand the number of ports on any PC (with an available slot of course). As mjc has indicated if the mobo is not putting power to the ports the life of the mobo may be limited.

Data Transfer Rate: 480/12/1.5 Mbps
External USB Ports: 4x USB Ports
Internal USB Ports: 1x USB Port
Package Contents: 4+1 VIA USB 2.0 PCI add on card User Manual
Standard: USB 2.0
Type: PCI to USB Card
Model #: RC-103
Item #: N82E16815166014
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Here are the specs for that Add in card will this do the job ?

Catcher

[LifterCatcher]

When sent to a file, the output of lspci won't show anything on the screen. But if the pci.txt didn't show up on the desktop, it went somewhere else,, but it is there somewhere. If you open the file manager, you can search for it...I'd still like to see the output from it...

But, it isn't looking good. The logic part of the USB controller seems to be working as it is identified, but as someone suspected, earlier, the power plane is gone...the controllers are showing 0 mA for MaxPower...

Found it :) Im getting better at Linux

00:00.0 Host bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS480 Host Bridge (rev 10)
00:01.0 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS480 PCI Bridge
00:11.0 IDE interface: ATI Technologies Inc ATI 437A Serial ATA Controller
00:12.0 IDE interface: ATI Technologies Inc ATI 4379 Serial ATA Controller
00:13.0 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 USB Host Controller
00:13.1 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 USB Host Controller
00:13.2 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 USB2 Host Controller
00:14.0 SMBus: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 SMBus Controller (rev 11)
00:14.1 IDE interface: ATI Technologies Inc Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller ATI
00:14.3 ISA bridge: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 PCI-ISA Bridge
00:14.4 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 PCI-PCI Bridge
00:14.5 Multimedia audio controller: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 AC'97 Audio Controller (rev 02)
00:18.0 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] HyperTransport Technology Configuration
00:18.1 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] Address Map
00:18.2 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] DRAM Controller
00:18.3 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] Miscellaneous Control
01:05.0 VGA compatible controller: ATI Technologies Inc RS480 [Radeon Xpress 200G Series]
02:01.0 Ethernet controller: ADMtek NC100 Network Everywhere Fast Ethernet 10/100 (rev 11)
02:05.0 Ethernet controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL-8139/8139C/8139C+ (rev 10)

[Sylvander]

Some time back I bought and fitted and used successfully...
The KOB USB2V4 listed here (http://www.mercury-pc.com/p-subprod-list.php?link=p-addcards&subtitle=Add-On%20Cards&categoryid=34), as manufactured under the description Mercury USB 2.0 I/O Controller Card, Made in China.
Never had any problem with it.
I got the use of both the old USB 1.1 [on-board], and the new USB 2.0 sockets, so could pick what to connect where.

I notice the one I'm using right here has 4 external ports rather than 3. :confused:
The one I bought must be fitted elsewhere.

[Paul Komski]

Personally I would see the power issue from an empirical standpoint rather than what the software is telling you. You would probably need a device to be plugged in to show whether the power settings change. That is certainly the case with Device Manager in Windows.

http://i36.tinypic.com/34p1js9.jpg

The seven (apparently) available ports on the above hub all show 0mAmp for example. In fact there are only six available ports because one of them is attached to an accessory power lead for a 2.5" external drive and it is working because the drive powers up if it alone is attached. It uses one lead for data/power and one for accessory power. The latter has no wires actually connecting to the two inner data pins of the USB port. If I pull out the accessory power lead the USB settings in Device Manager do not change and the drive is likely to run into file i/o problems when in use but the USB settings in Device Manager don't change unless there are intact data connections for it to communicate with some firmware on a device. The point I am long-windedly making is that the host controllers don't measure and display the amps used only the amps that should be available. The power required is, I believe, a function of the firmware telling the PC what it needs.

If you really want to detect if power is actually available get a redundant USB cable and cut the male end off to expose the wires and connect a voltmeter to the red and black pair of wires while the plug is inserted into a USB port. It should measure approx 5V. If not the ports are no good. You can also measure across the two outside contacts of the port itself but it is tricky to do without shorting things. The contacts are so made that the power contacts are longer than the data contacts so that a device is normally powered fractionally before its data/firmware is accessed.

P.S. Nothing wrong with that add-on card; it is USB 2 and USB 2 should be backward compatible with any USB 1.1.

P.P.S. If you really want to get geekish you could separate out the two power wires from a USB lead and attach them (correctly orientated) to any DC 5V source - bypassing the power output from the port altogether. And then see if the device functions or not. Don't blame me if you manage to get things wrong and make the wrong attachments.

[mjc]

I must have never checked with no USB devices attached, because I've always had something show up in the 'power' sections...but, yeah, Paul's right. The lack of a power useage showing up is not necessarily an indicator of there being no power at all to the USB...

[Paul Komski]

because I've always had something show up in the 'power' sections It may also take a refresh to update the setting.

[LifterCatcher]

well I picked up a USB add on card today and it works perfect. Lets just hope this will get me by until I can upgrade my PC.

Thanks a lot for all the help everyone, I learned a lot from all this.

Catcher

[saphalline]

T: Bus=03 Lev=00 Prnt=00 Port=00 Cnt=00 Dev#= 1 Spd=12 MxCh= 4
B: Alloc= 0/900 us ( 0%), #Int= 0, #Iso= 0
D: Ver= 1.10 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1
P: Vendor=0000 ProdID=0000 Rev= 2.06
S: Manufacturer=Linux 2.6.19 ohci_hcd
S: Product=OHCI Host Controller
S: SerialNumber=0000:00:13.1
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr= 0mA
I: If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 2 Ivl=255ms

T: Bus=02 Lev=00 Prnt=00 Port=00 Cnt=00 Dev#= 1 Spd=12 MxCh= 4
B: Alloc= 0/900 us ( 0%), #Int= 0, #Iso= 0
D: Ver= 1.10 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1
P: Vendor=0000 ProdID=0000 Rev= 2.06
S: Manufacturer=Linux 2.6.19 ohci_hcd
S: Product=OHCI Host Controller
S: SerialNumber=0000:00:13.0
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr= 0mA
I: If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 2 Ivl=255ms

T: Bus=01 Lev=00 Prnt=00 Port=00 Cnt=00 Dev#= 1 Spd=480 MxCh= 8
B: Alloc= 0/800 us ( 0%), #Int= 0, #Iso= 0
D: Ver= 2.00 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=01 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1
P: Vendor=0000 ProdID=0000 Rev= 2.06
S: Manufacturer=Linux 2.6.19 ehci_hcd
S: Product=EHCI Host Controller
S: SerialNumber=0000:00:13.2
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr= 0mA
I: If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 2 Ivl=256ms

00:00.0 Host bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS480 Host Bridge (rev 10)
00:01.0 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS480 PCI Bridge
00:11.0 IDE interface: ATI Technologies Inc ATI 437A Serial ATA Controller
00:12.0 IDE interface: ATI Technologies Inc ATI 4379 Serial ATA Controller
00:13.0 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 USB Host Controller
00:13.1 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 USB Host Controller
00:13.2 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 USB2 Host Controller
00:14.0 SMBus: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 SMBus Controller (rev 11)
00:14.1 IDE interface: ATI Technologies Inc Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller ATI
00:14.3 ISA bridge: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 PCI-ISA Bridge
00:14.4 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 PCI-PCI Bridge
00:14.5 Multimedia audio controller: ATI Technologies Inc IXP SB400 AC'97 Audio Controller (rev 02)
00:18.0 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] HyperTransport Technology Configuration
00:18.1 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] Address Map
00:18.2 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] DRAM Controller
00:18.3 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] Miscellaneous Control
01:05.0 VGA compatible controller: ATI Technologies Inc RS480 [Radeon Xpress 200G Series]
02:01.0 Ethernet controller: ADMtek NC100 Network Everywhere Fast Ethernet 10/100 (rev 11)
02:05.0 Ethernet controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL-8139/8139C/8139C+ (rev 10)Definitely something wrong. That chipset shouldn't have USB 1.1 rated ports. Onboard USB ports are gone.

That doesn't necessarily mean the mobo is on the way out, however. It just means the USB power plane is definitely gone and there could be something else wrong. I wouldn't completely trust it myself, but I've seen plenty of systems work fine other than the USB ports being fried.

[Paul Komski]

other than the USB ports being friedPedantically - it would surely be the plane or the bus that is "fried" for want of a better term. The power plane has been suspect from line two of this thread and if any part of a mobo is gone the board as whole must be suspect. Typically following "mild" lightening strikes, that only say destroy a pci modem, thereafter things can be fine for a short or long period but commonly other areas go down one after another. It isn't good news if any part is suspect and it is good that the OP has a temporary fix and is already aware of the limitations.

[saphalline]

Pedantically - it would surely be the plane or the bus that is "fried" for want of a better term.Hahahaa! Touché! :D

The power plane has been suspect from line two of this thread and if any part of a mobo is gone the board as whole must be suspect.I agree. And that's what I would decide for myself, as well. However...

I've seen systems with fried USB ports that continue to work fine for over a year afterwards. Ostensibly, it could be merely that the power coming from the USB root hubs is the only fried part, which would be well within the realm of possibility considering how Southbridge chips are designed. Then again, it could easily go the other way.

For myself, I would not take the chance. But whatever my own opinion may be, I must tell the truth and say it is quite possible (by observation and not merely by theory) for the USB ports to be "fried" while the rest of the system is "fine".