magiciansampras,

Disconnect all USB devices from your system.  Start your computer, open Device Manager and remove all references to USB devices including root hubs, controllers, etc.  Shut the system down, remove all power (battery and AC adapter), press the power button for 10 seconds, reinstall the battery and/or the AC adapter.  Restart your system and let Windows reinstall all of the USB components.

Steve

I did what you suggested (twice actually, once on the phone with Dell support) and once after I saw your response and still no dice. Dell even came out and replaced the motherboard and it's still giving me the same problem (although the booting up is much faster).

The only software I installed even somewhat recently is the Blackberry Desktop manager, but am positive that I had rebooted after the install and the USB ports work. But there might be a conflict so I uninstalled it (and all the remaining files per instructions on the web). Then I tried your tip again and still no luck.

Any other ideas? Thanks!

magiciansampras,

Since you have had the motherboard replaced, this issue is not a hardware related issue.  The problem is related to how Windows is currently handling USB ports.  Even though you have uninstalled the Blackberry Desktop Manager software, you should consider a system restore to a day or two before you installed that software program.  If this does fix your problem, then you might consider re-applying Service Pack 2.  If this does not fix your problem, then you may be faced with the need to completely format your hard disk drive and reinstall Windows.

Steve

magiciansampras,

Doing any reinstall of Windows will require you to back up your important data before proceeding.  There is always a risk of losing information or having information become unaccessible when you do a "repair" installation of Windows.  Even if you do a repair installation and do not lose any information, there is a good possibility that your problem will not be fixed or that new problems will appear.  Save yourself the long term headaches by backing up your important data (including your internet favorites, your e-mail and your address book), formatting the hard drive and doing a clean installation of Windows. 

Steve

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@BigBrother wrote:

magiciansampras,

Since you have had the motherboard replaced, this issue is not a hardware related issue. The problem is related to how Windows is currently handling USB ports. Even though you have uninstalled the Blackberry Desktop Manager software, you should consider a system restore to a day or two before you installed that software program. If this does fix your problem, then you might consider re-applying Service Pack 2. If this does not fix your problem, then you may be faced with the need to completely format your hard disk drive and reinstall Windows.

Steve

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I tried the system restore, but since I have a new motherboard it tries to reinstall the drivers when it boots up, causing the same error.

The other weird behavior is that when I try to install chipset and USB drivers, the HD activity goes through the roof, the system slows down tremendously and I lose my internet connection. This does not happen with any other drivers

I might just have to reformat and reinstall windows, but that's not all that appealing. I wonder, do you think a Windows repair might do the trick?

I decided to run a chkdsk /r to make sure nothing was wrong with the drive and guess what? It found errors in the sector that contain the USB drivers!! That's why I couldn't install and that's why the hard drive acted funny when I tried to install. Chkdsk fixed the bad sector and I was able to install the drivers and voila, I can now use my USB ports.

Dell is sending me a new hard drive in case this one is on the fritz.

Thanks for all your help all!