Computer Hope

Hardware => Drivers => Topic started by: heldmacm on November 25, 2015, 09:11:37 AM

Title: Front USB Ports not Working - "Unknown Device" in Device Manager
Post by: heldmacm on November 25, 2015, 09:11:37 AM
Hello,

I recently put together a new computer, and in the process of of installing the USB 3.0 connector from the front of my GX500 case, I either bent numerous pins on the motherboard USB 3.0 header or the motherboard shipped that way and I inadvertently made matters worse. Anyway, that header on the motherboard is without a doubt unusable.

Since I don't really need the USB 3.0 functionality, I bought a USB 3.0 -> 2.0 adapter cable, connected one end to the connector on the front of the case and the other end into the USB 2.0/1.1 header on the motherboard. Unfortunately, when Windows 7 boots and I plug a device into the front ports of the case, Windows detects the front USB ports as "Unknown Device" within Device Manager yet says the driver is successfully installed. I've already downloaded the most current Intel chipset drivers for my motherboard, deleted and reinstalled all USB drivers, and all rear USB connections are working perfectly fine - it's just the two front ports that are connected from the case to the USB 2.0/1.1 ports via the adapter cable.  I've tried both USB 2.0/1.1 headers on the motherboard, and I've tried plugging in several devices to the front USB ports, and this problem still persists.

I've ensured the connection inside the case is solid, yet I cannot get Windows to recognize the front USB ports.  However, I have confirmed that power is being sent to the front ports because it charges my phone when I connect it to the front USB ports via micro USB connection.  As a result, I'm inclined to think this is a driver issue rather than a hardware issue.  Any ideas?
Title: Re: Front USB Ports not Working - "Unknown Device" in Device Manager
Post by: Itrenor on November 25, 2015, 09:24:35 AM
Do you happen to have a spare machine that you can test the adapter with?  Just as a precaution in case the adapter is faulty.
Title: Re: Front USB Ports not Working - "Unknown Device" in Device Manager
Post by: Itrenor on November 25, 2015, 09:37:15 AM
Sorry, missed the part where you said you tested the front side USB ports directly  :-[
Title: Re: Front USB Ports not Working - "Unknown Device" in Device Manager
Post by: heldmacm on November 25, 2015, 09:40:12 AM
No problem.  That was my first thought, too (that the adapter might be faulty) until I stumbled upon the front ports successfully charging my phone.  I do not have a spare machine (at least one that's handy; I only have my old PC that's now mostly disassembled) in the event one is needed.