Dell Inspiron 1150 USB Port problem

Question

Can anyone help? My computer specs are below. Intel Celeron 2.6 Ghz 1 GB of RAM 30 GB Hard drive Windows XP Pro SP1 I was using the computer to view some files on an external hard drive that was plugged into one of two USB 2.0 ports on the back of the computer. I plugged a flash memory stick into the second unused USB port and then the computer shut off. At that time I heard a 'pop' sound in the back of the computer by the USB ports. I disconnected everything and then powered the computer back on. Once the computer booted up alright I reconnected the USB devices. The computer would not recognize either one of the devices though I was getting power to the flash memory stick as indicated by the 'on' light on the memory stick. The other device is an externally powered hard drive. I then checked the USB devices on another computer and they both were recognized by the computer so that ruled out the devices. I then uninstalled the USB drivers using Safe mode and booted the computer back up to have Windows install the drivers which it did. I tried the devices again to no avail. I then ran the Dell diagnostics extended version to check all my hardware on the computer and every test passed. I searched online and found no help for my situation. Reluctantly I re-installed Windows XP Pro with SP1. After installing all the required drivers from the Dell CD I attempted to read the devices again on the computer. The devices still would not read. Now I suspect the USB ports are bad which is on the motherboard. Is my conclusion a viable one or are there more tests I could run or actions I could take?

Leo_s84 · Answer

Most likely if you heard a 'pop', something went wrong hardware wise. To change the USB ports youd have to change the whole motherboard.

tcdgis · Answer

Have you gotten a solution to the USB problem?  I just experienced a similar problem to the one you described on the same model.  Have you approached Dell about it?  I would be interested in learning if you have any success with them.  This computer is less than 6 months old!  To have to replace the motherboard for faulty USB ports is a little much.

hot120 · Answer

Bro, they are replacing my motherboard. No questions asked. The repair guy I took the computer to says the design of the entire 'D' series motherboard is faulty, as you can conclude from the number of posts on this forum relating to motherboard failure of some nature.

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