Method 1 – Unplug Computer (DESKTOP)

Try this method first and if it works, you’ll have saved a lot of time.

Simply unplug your computer from the power supply. Yes, that is it! Note that this does not mean just turning off your computer using the power button because most modern computers don’t actually turn off completely and the motherboard will still get power. This is useful sometimes if you want to remotely wake up a computer, etc.

The motherboard is where all of the hardware of the computer connects to, including the USB ports. Sometimes the motherboard needs to be “rebooted” because things can go wrong, i.e. all or some USB ports suddenly stop working. The small microprocessor on the motherboard will reload the drivers and your USB ports should hopefully be recognizing devices again.

So first turn off your computer using the Shut Down option in Windows or pressing the power button and then UNPLUG the PC from the wall outlet. Let it sit for several minutes and then plug it back in.

Have a laptop with this issue? Try disconnecting the power cable and do a full shut down. Power laptop back on and reconnect the hub to host port.

Method 2

Disable USB power management

With some USB devices, the USB power management options can cause problems. To verify power management is not causing your problem, we suggest disabling it by following the steps below.

  1. Open the Device Manager.
  1. Double-click Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand and show all USB devices.
  2. Double-click the first USB SuperSpeed Root Hub.
  3. In the USB Root Hub Properties, click the Power Management tab.
  4. In the Power Management tab, make sure the box labeled Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power is unchecked.
  5. Click Ok.
  6. Repeat the above steps for all USB Root Hub and USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) devices listed in Device Manager.
  7. After all devices have had power management disabled, close Device Manager, restart the computer, and try the USB devices again.