Usb Ports Not Working

[Questman]

I have a Sony VGN-NS10L laptop using Windows 7.
Today I have found that all four USB ports are not recognising my devises. So I can't get a mouse to work.
How serious is this please?

[Buenchico]

Before doing anything else, try turning it off and turning it on again.
(Yes, I know that such a response can sound facetious but it's amazing just how often it works. It could just be the relevant driver has failed to load on a single occasion but will be there when you reboot).

If that doesn't work, reinstall the USB driver(s):
http://sony-eur-eu-en-web--eur.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/136903

[Questman]

Thanks Buenchico.
Tried that but still no luck. Perhaps I'm not doing it correctly.
Incidently I can see that it's not the ports that are faulty but the software as you suggest because other (non pointing) devices still work, like mass storage device.
How should I know which is the appropriate USB listing?

[Buenchico]

If it's only your mouse which isn't recognised then the problem has absolutely nothing to do with your USB ports. You've got a dead mouse!

Spending £6.49 in PC World should fix your problem:
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessories/computer-accessories/mice-and-keyboards/mice/logitech-b100-optical-mouse-21775704-pdt.html

[Togo]

Mouse Batteries even.

[Questman]

Not so. I have tried a corded mouse and three or four cordless all with good batteries.
All give the same result. Either a message saying USB devise nor recognised or unknown devise.
I have deleted all the USB root hubs and then restarted the laptop.
Then as soon as I plug in a pointing devise I get the unknown devise message. Where do I now go?

[Togo]

Questman, when you switch off the laptop also remove the battery for at least 15 minutes before plugging it back in and restarting Windows. This may reset your USB hub on your motherboard.

[Questman]

Thanks Togo I'll try that this evening.

[Buenchico]

It might also be worth going back into the Device Manager to see if there's a mouse driver listed there. If there is, right-click on it and select 'Update'.

When you plug a wired optical mouse into a USB port, does the red light underneath it come on? If not, I suspect that your USB ports aren't providing the 5V DC power which they're meant to. That could suggest a motherboard problem. (Time for a new laptop, possibly!)

[Questman]

Toto - My Hero! It worked. I am so happy.
Thanks a lot.
Buenchico, I did update the mouse driver previously. And yes the light does come on on the wired mouse.
Anyway it's all working thanks to TheAnswerBank. Let's hope it continues to do so.
I have as it happens put in an offer on a replacement laptop!

[Buenchico]

I'm pleased that you've got it sorted.

I'm also slightly amused that Togo's (excellent) advice is actually an extended version of my very first suggestion. i.e. turn it off and turn it on again! That seems to work time and time again ;-)

[Togo]

Haha been there.......many moons ago. Sometimes it takes me a while to remember. I will have a look tomorrow at the reason this happens......Microsoft problem if I remember correctly. Glad you are up and mousing again. :)) Ta.

[diddlydo]

Actually, if you have a laptop, why do you need a mouse?

[dannyk13]

I have a laptop and a wireless mouse which I find easier to control than using the pad on the laptop.

[Togo]

Ditti Danny. Ruddy touch pads are useless. I have just become the proud owner of a Surface Pro. It can be either a tablet or a laptop with a keyboard that snaps into place. The first thing we did was order up the arc Bluetooth mouse and the Bluetooth stylus for use with the touch screen. The touch pad on the keyboard is actually excellent in as far as it has click facility with a press and scroll facility again with a click. Still prefer a mouse when I have a flat surface nearby.

[Old_Geezer]

The pad is for emergency use only. It can be a right pain in the neck if left on.

[Questman]

Diidlydo, I have painful arthritis in my finger joints and wrist so using the pad is possible for me but is not comfortable. It can also hurt with a mouse, but not as bad.
I've used a mouse for so many years that I feel lost without one.

[diddlydo]

Old Geezer - why do you say that the touch pad is for emergency use only? Ever since I got a laptop (about 10 years ago) I've never used a mouse with it and now hate it if on an "alien" computer I'm forced to use a mouse!

[Old_Geezer]

It's too easy to accidently brush it when using the keyboard *behind* it and get all sorts of unexpected, unwanted, mysterious effects. Awful design. Used to drive me mad.

[diddlydo]

OG - I have no idea how you accidentally brush the touch pad!

[Togo]

Diddly. Some of us, myself included, have years and years of pc and laptop use behind us. I have used a pad on site for work when I had to. No option back when, with a case that had a printer incorporated as well. Toshiba....expensive kit back in the day. I can use a pad and a touchscreen if I have to, but prefer a mouse because after years(20 or so) of using one for CAD work where it was essential. Now Geezer may not be as adept with his hand as some of our younger readers although I do know that he is, or was, an avid gamer. Try competing in that world when all around are using a mouse and you have a touch pad. Game over before you get a chance... P.S. Geezer is if I am not mistaken 80+ I am a few weeks away from 70. Touch pads suck.