USB Ports not recognizing older products

[CherylVanIsle]

I am using an HP Pavilion All-In-One model 24-xa0159 and I'm running Windows 11.  I can use new products on my USB Ports (new mouse & WACOM Pad) but the USB Ports will not recognize my older Memory Sticks (although my old HP Pavilion Laptop still does).  Message on Device Manager:  "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)".  How can I correct so I can use my older memory sticks?

[Nirvana_95 · Accepted solution]

Hi @CherylVanIsle

Welcome to the HP Support Community. Thanks for bringing this to our notice.

I see that you are facing USB-related issues on your system. Do not worry, we are here to fix it.

May I know from when are you facing this issue?

Did you make any hardware or software-related changes to it?

Request you to follow the below troubleshooting steps from the documented fix:-

“Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error that shows up in the Device Manager.

Method 1. Check for hardware issues

There’s a possibility that you’re unable to use your USB device due to a hardware issue, meaning that the problem lies within your computer and not the operating system. Here are two easy ways to test if this is the case, which can easily prove whether you need to look into getting your computer restored or can proceed with the methods below to fix system-originated issues.

• Plug into a different USB port. Try using your rear USB ports. If the device is suddenly working, then the USB port you originally used is most likely broken. We recommend either marking this port as not functioning, or immediately looking into replacing it.
• Plug into a different computer. Try using the same hardware on a different computer and see if the device itself has any issues. If it works on a different computer, you’re most likely dealing with a system issue on your own. However, if the device still doesn’t work, it’s highly likely that it’s broken. Look for repair or a replacement.

After testing these two things, you can conclude whether or not to proceed with the steps below. Each upcoming method aims to fix software issues, meaning that its problems unique to your computer’s operating system.

Method 2. Plug out your power supply

Warning: Only attempt this method if you’re using a portable device, such as a laptop.

For some reason, temporarily unplugging your power supply and then connecting the problematic equipment into your computer may fix the Unknown USB device issue on Windows 10. Simply disconnect all charging cables from your laptop until your computer is only running on its integral battery. Then, plug in the USB device to see if your system recognizes it.

If this method doesn't fix the USB device error, you can rule out the power supply as a cause. However, if the USB starts working, try looking into replacing your charger.

Method 3. Uninstall the USB Driver in Device Manager

1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard at the same time to bring up the Run utility.
2. Type in “devmgmt.msc” without the quotations marks, then hit the OK button. This is going to launch the Device Manager in a separate window.
3. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section, then select the Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) from the list.
4. Right-click on the selected USB device and choose Uninstall from the context menu. Follow any on-screen instructions to remove the device.
5. When the uninstallation is complete, reboot your system. It’ll automatically reinstall the drive correctly, which may help you get rid of the error you’ve been receiving.

Method 4. Disable the Fast Startup option

1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard at the same time to bring up the Run utility.
2. Type in “control” without the quotations marks, then hit the OK button. This is going to launch the classic Control Panel in a separate window. (This app is not to be confused with the new Settings.)
3. Change your view mode to Large icons in the right-hand corner of the window, then select Power Options from the list of items.
4. Click on the Choose what the power buttons do link on the left-side of the window.
5. Click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable link. This will require you to give administrative permission, which may mean entering your admin password.
6. Look under the Shutdown settings section. Make sure that the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended) is not checked. If it is, click on the box to remove the checkmark.
7. Click the Save changes button and restart your device.

Method 5. Remove USB and scan for hardware changes

1. Uninstall the problematic USB device using the steps in Method 1.
2. Stay in the Device Manager.
3. Using the header menu, click on Action, and then select Scan for hardware changes from the menu. (Last icon as shown below.)
4. Wait for the system to recognize all hardware changes, then plug your USB in again to check if it works now.

Method 6. Run the Hardware and Device troubleshooter

1. Open the Settings application using the Windows + I keyboard shortcut, or the gear icon from your Start menu.
2. Click on the Update & Security tab.
3. Scroll down and choose Troubleshoot from the menu on the left-side pane.
4. Look for the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, then select it with your mouse and choose to Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow all of the on-screen instructions to identify any issues with your USB port or other related hardware. If anything is picked up, select the appropriate action to fix or get more information about the error. 

Please refer to the following link to troubleshoot USB Connections: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c03327635 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. 

Click the “Yes" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping. 

[CherylVanIsle]

Thank you for your response.  I was able to alleviate my problem and access the files on my older USB storage unit.

FYI, I will answer your questions.

(a) my HP AIO (All In One) is 2 years old.  I have used this older USB storage unit numerous times in my HP AIO.  I am only now having this problem, and I only recently upgraded to Windows 11.  I did check for USB port updates.

(b) I have not made any hardware changes and upgrading to Windows 11 is the only software changes I have made.

(c) I have three USB ports on my HP AIO and I interchange them all the time.  I tried my older USB storage unit in each port and it would not read it at all.

Today, at your suggestion, I accessed the files stored on an older USB storage unit using my older HP Notebook very easily.  I transferred all files onto my newer storage unit and I am now able to access these files on my newer computer (which uses Windows 11).

I  should say that Windows 11 seems very seamless so it took me a while to correlate my problems to this recent issue.  I wonder if Windows 11 does not /is not capable of working with older USB units.  I do have equipment that I am able to use (so far) but I would hate to have to buy a new camera, WACOM, etc. because of a software upgrade, and I would like to have been made aware before I upgraded of this issue.

Really appreciate your time.

[Nirvana_95]

Thank you so much 🙂