USB ports revolutionize transferring of files and connecting different peripherals to computers.USB ports have made sharing files and connecting all devices to our computers pretty efficient.
USB port connection is usually a stress-free process, which is why most external devices come with it. Just plug your USB device into the USB port and start using it smoothly.
However, when your Motherboard USB ports fail to work, the connection is rigorous. Your system won’t detect the device you’re connecting to. In some cases, Windows could display an error message. Consequently, you’ll seek other unusual means to connect your external devices to the computer.
If you’re presently battling this situation with your ASUS motherboard USB ports, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide a broad explanation of the problem, stating the possible causes of it and, most importantly, easy ways to solve it.
ASUS Motherboard USB Ports Not Working: Possible Causes
Different factors can cause your ASUS motherboard USB Ports to stop working. Most likely causes can be categorized into hardware and software issues. Let’s demystify both aspects and name subdivisions under them.
Software issues include:
- Incorrect power supply
- Outdated registry settings
- Problems with USB Controller
- Fast startup features
Similarly, Hardware causes include:
- Dirty USB ports
- Loose internal connections
- Faulty USB devices
- Defective USB ports
- Bad battery
ASUS Motherboard USB Ports Not Working: How To Fix
We’ve listed every possible cause of this problem above. However, you must diagnose the suitable component to fix your problem quickly. Below is everything you need to get your motherboard USB ports to work again soon.
1. Check Your USB ports
Seriously, you can’t be 100% confident your USB ports are working. Your USB ports might have developed faults instead of the external devices, thus making them not function. The soldered joints in the motherboard USB ports might have become weakened because of stress or force from the connected devices. But there’s a low chance that all the ports will malfunction at once.
Therefore, switch between the USB ports. Connect the device to all the available ports. If it works, that indicates the first port has a problem. If the device remains undetected, perhaps the device is faulty.
Furthermore, your ports might not be faulty but dirty. USB ports are susceptible to specks of dirt, debris, and particles that could accumulate over time and block the inside of the ports. When this happens, it prevents a proper connection between the plug and the computer. Inspect the inside of the ports, preferably with a torch. If you notice particles blocking the entrance, use a small brush or compressed air to pump the dirt out.
2. Restart Your Devices
Every tech enthusiast understands the importance of this method. It’s famous as it does well to resolve most technological problems. In this case, if the operating system displays an error relating to the undetected device, removing and plugging it back in might fix the problem. If the problem persists, change the USB wire(if applicable) or restart both devices. After the reboot, check if the connection is now valid.
For a more in-depth reboot, you can remove the laptop’s battery, shut down the system and press the power button for some seconds to drain residual power and discharge the capacitors.
If the connection still doesn’t work, continue with the next step.
3. Update BIOS and Windows Update
Outdated system software may be causing the connection problem. So, check for any pending updates, including Windows OS, BIOS, and drivers. You can update Windows as follows:
- Right-click the Windows menu at the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Select Settings from the option
- Jump to the Update and Security section
- Click on the Check for Updates option
Allow the process to run automatically. If Windows detects any latest update, install it and reboot your laptop afterward.
Similarly, you can update your System BIOS as follows:
- Go to ASUS’s official website and enter your Model name
- Click on Enter so the search results will display
- From the option, Select the Support option
- Click on Drivers & Tools Updates
- Move to the Product Support site
- Now Click on the Drivers & Utility Tab, then select BIOS and firmware option
- Enter your model name again, and the list of available BIOS will show up
- Click on the Download button behind the one you want to download
After the download, install the BIOS.
Lastly, an outdated system driver can also hinder the functionality of your Motherboard USB ports. So, it’s imperative to update your system driver to clear any doubts while you still can. You can update your system driver as follows:
- Follow the steps we’ve described above
- When you reach the Product Support site, click on the Drivers & Utility option
- Select the Drivers & Tools option and enter your model name
- Search the available options and click the OS version your computer is running.
- Please select the file, download it, and install it accordingly.
Now, reconnect your external device to the USB ports and check if it’s currently working well. If it doesn’t, move on to the next tip.
4. Scan For Hardware Changes
Another diagnostic method you could explore is allowing your system to scan for hardware changes. This scan might assist in detecting the external USB device you want to connect to the port. You can scan for hardware changes with the steps below
- Right-click on the Windows menu at the bottom left corner of the screen
- Search and select Device Manager
- Click on your desktop name. It’s the first option on top of the list
- Right-click it and select the Scan for Hardware Changes option
Leave the process to run and later check if your Motherboard USB ports can now detect external devices. If it doesn’t, you can run the windows troubleshooter tools by searching Troubleshooter in the Search box and following the on-screen instructions.
5. Re-Activate The USB Host Controllers
When you deactivate and reactivate your system USB controllers, it will enable them to restore the USB ports that are unresponsive and enhance their functionality. You can re-enable the USB controllers as follows:
- Start the Device Manager as explained earlier
- Search for Universal Serial Bus controllers and double-click to expand and display everything
- Right-click on the first option and select Uninstall from the menu
- Repeat the process for all other USB controllers
- Now restart your computer.
The USB controllers will automatically install again after reboot and fix the USB ports problem.
6. Disable USB Selective Suspend
This feature allows Windows to put the USB ports to sleep to conserve battery by cutting the power to the ports. The feature might be enabled on your system, thus making the USB ports seem like they are not working. You can disable the features with the steps below:
- Go to the Universal Bus controllers as explained above.
- From the option, search for USB Root Hub and right-click on the option
- Select Properties and navigate to the Power Management menu
- Disable the “Allow the computer to turn off this device and save power.”
- Click on Apply and select Ok
- Repeat the process for all the USB Root Hub devices available.
Upon completion, reboot the computer and check if the Motherboard USB ports are now working.
7. Call A Professional
If the problem remains after trying all the troubleshooting tips above, your USB ports may be faulty. Seek the help of a professional for assistance or contact your manufacturer’s support for further diagnosis