USB Port Not Working on 2 USB Port HP Laptop

[nvrver]

I have two USB Ports on my HP Laptop model # 15-f233wm using W10 64 bit. One USB port is not working. It is usually the port that I use for printer cable or flash drives. I use the other one for my wireless mouse. Having only one working USB port is something I can work around, but I would like to have both working.

Is there something internal via the laptops software that controls these port or is it a hardware problem? Is there a fix? Rich

 

[Matt_C]

Rich,
Two things....
1- there is a firmware setting to enable the USB ports that should be available in settings.
2- Query HP, may HP laptop had a two year warranty and when the HD failed, I got it repaired for the cost of driving about 80 mile round trip to the place that could do the repair.
Good Luck

Matt

 

[jymbee]

I have two USB Ports on my HP Laptop model # 15-f233wm using W10 64 bit. One USB port is not working. It is usually the port that I use for printer cable or flash drives. I use the other one for my wireless mouse. Having only one working USB port is something I can work around, but I would like to have both working.

Is there something internal via the laptops software that controls these port or is it a hardware problem? Is there a fix? Rich

Seems like most every laptop I've owned over the years eventually has at least one USB port go bad. Hopefully you can find a way to fix but my guess is that it's a hardware issue. The good news is that are scads of usb hubs out there that work quite well. I use this one I bought from Amazon and it works well. In addition to the 7 ports it also has two charging ports which comes in handy. Plenty of other options as well of course. If you go that route you should make sure it can be powered by AC.

 

[nvrver]

Thanks for the help, getting ready for a trip so will use the one I have until I return.

 

[scottydl]

Seems like most every laptop I've owned over the years eventually has at least one USB port go bad. Hopefully you can find a way to fix but my guess is that it's a hardware issue.

Same here. One of my prior computers had some sort of internal short that would shut the computer down anytime I tried to use a specific USB port. That one got securely taped off!

It's always a good idea to reinstall the factory USB drivers a time or two and see if that fixes the problem from the software side, which can be done through Device Manager in Windows easily enough. Instructions:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
2. Right-click (or press and hold) the name of the device, and select Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.

If that doesn't work, chances are it's a bad connection on the internal motherboard that isn't worth repairing (unless under warranty as mentioned).

 

[John From Detroit]

I've shorted a USB port. tracked the "Fuse" and fixed it.
Suggest being careful when plugging/unplugging

 

[nvrver]

Took the advice to add multi USB and purchased a Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub with individual Lit power switches for under $18 on Amazon. Works fine. Thanks, Rich

 

[John From Detroit]

This is not the product currently sitting on my desk (mine is USB2 and 5 ports) but it's the same source and gives you and idea of their prices.
This stuff is mostly made in china but I've never found fault with it.

Wish dot com

Only thing is clothing tends to run a tad on the small size But at that price I hand it off to charity and order larger and still save money..

 

[TheBar]

Sabrent brand hubs are what I buy. Some cheap USB 3 knockoffs have the blue connector like USB 3 but actually only have 4 wires internally, vs 9 wires for true USB 3 speeds.

One thing to keep in mind is some newer external backup drives do not have their own power supplies. Since they get their power from the USB port it is always a good idea to get a hub with it's own power supply like Jymbee linked to. Some hubs and even some computers don't provide enough USB amps for an external drive to be reliable.

 

[nvrver]

My Sabrent came with a power supply. Seems to work ok with or without using the power supply.

 

[jymbee]

My Sabrent came with a power supply. Seems to work ok with or without using the power supply.

It likely will, unless/until you connect too many devices that need power.