subject: USB Problem - How to Fix USB Not Recognized Error? [print this page] USB Problem - How to Fix USB Not Recognized Error?
When the USB not working stops you in your tracks at home or work, it can be impossible to store data or run certain peripherals. This device is a necessary component that connects your computer to crucial external devices. As such, it's a hub for keyboard, mice, or data storage disks.
What are USB Devices?
Universal Serial Bus devices were originally developed as an alternative to clunky hardware and a multitude of connectors required to bridge the gap between computers and peripheral devices. Over time, manufacturers refined the device so that it gained speed and processing power. Now, some USB ports can reach a data transfer rate of over 480 Mbit/second.
USB devices are often used for high-powered peripherals. Since these USB ports are comprised of a single hub controller that can extend outwards to multiple devices, it's not uncommon to find one USB controller facilitating the connection of multiple devices.
The Advent of Data Storage
USB storage devices utilized this fast data transfer technology to implement data storage on IDE and SATA machines. Of course, many people enjoy USB devices for their portability and convenience. These devices just show some of the flexibility inherent to USB devices.
USB devices require updated drivers to function properly. If drivers become outdated, then they can't parse the code necessary to store data or run peripherals. Drivers can become outdated very easily. In fact, upgrading the operating system can often result in outdated drivers. Other things can cause drivers to malfunction, such as viruses, malware, or a corrupt operating system.
Identifying USB Port Issues
It's fairly easy to diagnose a driver problem with your USB port. You can generally utilize Windows Update to find replacements for your outdated drivers. Windows Update works by connecting your system to Microsoft's database and then replacing the necessary drivers on your machine. Of course, it's also possible to manually update, although this can be a little more tricky.
Remember, there's a good way to test your devices for outdated drivers. Just follow the instructions below:
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Control Panel."
3. Click on "System and Maintenance."
4. Then, click on "Device Manager."
You should see a list of devices within the device manager. If there's a yellow exclamation mark next to one of the devices, that means it's outdated.
The "Unknown Device" Error
Often, USB devices will show problems by being displayed as "Unknown Device." If you plug in a USB device and you see "Unknown Device", then it's likely you need to update your drivers.
Updating Drivers with Microsoft Fix Its
You can sometimes use Microsoft Fix Its to update drivers. However, often you'll need to actually visit a manufacturer's website to find the appropriate drivers. Or you can utilize specific software that works to scan your system for outdated drivers, and then replaces them. This software is especially nice because it's so easy to use. Plus, it fixes all of your driver problems at one time.
