The USB ports are not recognizing when a memory stick is inserted - it says unrecognizable.

Is it all USB devices, or just one particular memory stick? There are times when a memory stick is defective, so be sure the issue really is with the port and not one particular device. Assuming the issue is with the computer itself, there are some things you can do if one or more of your USB ports is unrecognizable.

USB Card Readers

With the introduction of high capacity memory cards, older card readers are often incompatible with newer high capacity memory sticks. Even though the cards physically look the same and fit, these readers cannot read the cards due to file system changes in the newer formats. Double check to be sure that the card reader is compatible with your memory stick.

Power Down

This may sound silly, but it has worked for others so it’s worth a try. Power the computer down and unplug it completely from the wall. Let it sit - some people say 10 seconds, some people say 1 hour, it’s up to you - and then plug it back in again and see if your USB ports are now recognized. Apparently, this allows the motherboard to discharge completely and this is often successful.

Are you using an HP computer? If so, you can try putting the stick in the USB port and turning off the computer. Unplug it and then hold the start button down for 10 seconds. Keeping the card in the slog, plug it back in and then restart. Many times your USB port will be recognized.

Uninstall Drivers

You can try to uninstall the drivers for the USB ports and let the system reinstall them. Go to Start and then Control Panel. Choose System and then Hardware and Device Manager. Expand the Universal Serial bus Controllers. Uninstall every device. Close the window and let the computer reboot. Windows should reinstall the correct drivers and allow the USB port to be recognized.

Latest Service Pack

Have you downloaded the latest Windows Service Pack? The original version of Windows XP had a problem when a USB port wasn’t used for a while, it would set the OHCI controller to suspend. Theoretically, it should “wake up” when something is plugged into the port, but it doesn’t always work. The Windows Service Packs were supposed to correct the problem.

I think either powering down or reinstalling the drivers will solve your problem. If it doesn’t and you need additional help, please let us know.

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