USB Mouse and keyboard doesn't work only 1 slot

bank2010 · 13 Nov 2015

Hi. My laptop has 2 USB slots, 1 working perfectly fine, but another one has a problem. When I plugged a USB mouse or keyboard, nothing on screen happen. For the mouse, it light up but the cursor can't move. For the key board it doesn't light up and nothing happen. I tired flash drive, nothing happen too. BUT when I plugged an external hard drive, it work perfectly fine.

This problem just happen today, before both USB slots are working just fine. So now I can't use both mouse and keyboard at the same time

I've tried restart my computer, uninstall and reinstall all USB list in USB Controllers in Device Manager, nothing work so far

Please help
Thanks in advance

ICIT2LOL · 15 Nov 2015

Ok mate first some system specs would be good for the laptop.
System Info - See Your System Specs

bank2010 · 17 Nov 2015

Hi, thanks for the reply. Now I add the system spec already.
The problem still there. Please help

ICIT2LOL · 17 Nov 2015

Ok bank my first thoughts were the drivers for the USB and chipset and why we needed to see the specs because no good looking for them without knowing the system base.

Now I have Googled for drivers and the nearest so far is this if you could go to auto detect and see what your machine brings up please Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

An alternative is Slim Drivers I use on occasions but always uninstall the program afterwards it is an awful nagger. https://www.slimwareutilities.com/slimdrivers.php But before you run that install if the machine can be manipulated of course this Unchecky - Keeps your checkboxes clear it will perevent any add on software that may come with the Slim Drivers (and other programs too)

bank2010 · 18 Nov 2015

Ok. I did the auto detect and it brought me to this link
Product Support | Dell US

ICIT2LOL · 18 Nov 2015

Well that wasn't much help at all but I can't say I am surprised as the Dells I have owned and needed support for left me very frustrated. Even their phone support was poor and trouble is these days support from the major players go through those awful call centres where they usually are more of a hindrance than anything.

So I I would go with a try of the Slim Drivers software but do install Unchecky first and as I suggested uninstall the Slim software afterwards.

bank2010 · 18 Nov 2015

I tried Slim Driver, updating all drivers, still doesn't solve problem.

To repeat, my 2nd USB slot can only detect external hard drive. very strange though

ZaphodB · 18 Nov 2015

Hi bank

This is starting to sound like a possible problem with your motherboard.

Have you updated the BIOS on your motherboard at all or are you still running the BIOS that shipped with the machine? Latest BIOS version is A12 dated 26 Oct 2012.

It may be worth your while going to the appropriate DELL support website and flashing your BIOS to the latest version.

It may be that one of the chips on your mobo that controls the USB sockets has become flaky or it may be that one of the USB sockets has a dry solder joint which has only just become a problem.

If you have any other USB devices - such as USB memory sticks - do they work in either socket or just the one?

I'm puzzled when you say that you are trying to use both a USB keyboard and USB mouse on a laptop. Does the laptop's own keyboard and trackpad not work?

Finally, I have a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo (mk270) that uses only one nano USB receiver but both keyboard and mouse can use it (it is for a desktop machine to lessen the number of wires plugged in). Link: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 with Keyboard and Mouse (UK QWERTY Layout): Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Just some thoughts to ponder!

Zaph

bank2010 · 19 Nov 2015

Hi ZaphodB, thanks for the reply. My laptop currently has the latest version of BIOS.

Yes the laptop keyboard and trackpad work, but I'm more comfortable with PC mouse and keyboard, also my Dell laptop has some electric shock which is very annoying.

For the problem slot
a memory stick doesn't work -- nothing happen (no sound, no sign that the computer detect the device) and the stick doesn't light up
a USB keyboard doesn't work -- same as memory stick, nothing happen
a USB mouse doesn't work -- but the red light under the mouse show up
an external hard drive works perfectly fine

I suspect it's the hardware problem !?
I will bring to the support center if not fixed by this Sunday.

thanks everyone for helping:)

ZaphodB · 19 Nov 2015

Hi bank

Looking more like a mobo/USB socket problem - dry joint somewhere - possibly.

I presume that you've ripped the USB Root Hub drivers out of Device Manager and then re-booted? It sounds drastic but on re-boot, Windows should spot that the USB Root Hub doesn't have drivers and re-install them for you without any hassle.

If you don't know how to do this, you can access device Manager by clicking on the Start button and typing 'Device' in the search box. Device Manager should appear in the list that appears. Click on Device Manager and expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers (click on the small white triangle). Right-click on all entries you find there to do with USB Root Hub or USB Universal Host Controller and click on 'uninstall' for each one. When all cleared, exit Device manager and re-boot your machine.

This may cure your problem but if, as I suspect, it is the hardware, it won't.

Anyone else offer any thoughts/insights??

Zaph