Unusable USB Ports on HP Pavilion Laptop

[Charlie_Diep]

Product Number: 

Hello! As said in the title, I've been having trouble over the last couple days from the post date with my 3 USB ports of my laptop. . . 

The day before, I  was transferring tons of files over from my hard drive to my OneDrive folder on my PC. I also had to transfer files from a LEXAR brand 64-GB USB 3.0 USB Micro USB stick to my PC. While my hard drive was still plugged in to my PC in one of the two Super Speed USB 3.0 ports on the left, I plugged the USB stick into the sole USB 2.0 port on the right.

After plugging it in, it disconnected my hard drive whilst in the middle of transferring a file. I removed the drive and received notifications telling me about the aborted file transfer. I skipped the files and got rid of the notifications. 

Here my troubles begin.  I try plugging it into the USB 2.0 port (the right side port)  and the drive is not recognized (It's a SeaGate backup plus slim portable 1.5 TB drive). The drive's lights flashed periodically, and made a low beeping noise.

I confirmed it wasn't the hard drive's fault (it worked on my TV). My hard drive then reconnected and disconnected several times in a row, then finally failed to connect.

I tried the hard drive in the 2 USB 3.0 ports - and it didn't even turn on. All other USB devices I've tried in the 3.0 ports were not powered on / recognized by my PC. Currently, only the 2.0 port recognizes the very LEXAR USB stick that, I think began my problems (and a wireless mouse receiver stick)

Side note: This may be completely unnecessary to the issue, but when I was at school and I inserted 1 of the LEXAR sticks that I had into a school PC, it shut down spontaneously. I tried it on my friend's pc and the same thing happened. (I've heard of devices called "USB KILLERS" and my friend thought it was one. I know that my USB was a storage device though. . . ) Maybe an unintentional and unexpected power surge happened and shorted my usb ports (though why it didn't happen to the very port it was put in, I don't know.)

Side side note: I also updated to the new windows 10 update the same day, (Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems (KB3206632) ) Not sure if it's important though.

In light of this, I tried updating USB drivers, to no effect. Restored my PC, same deal. Tried the "USB selective suspend" trick and nada! I went into the UEFI diagnostics test and found out that the 3.0 ports failed and the 2.0 port worked for only 2 USB devices - nothing else.

Got this code for the 3.0 ports:

Failure ID: 9LQ26M-7BB88B1-MFPV6K-8D5W03  

Product ID: J9M13UA#ABL

In the end, I fear the worst: that deep inside, my USB circuits are fried. Say it ain't so! (cuz I have no more warranty. . . )

Any and ALL help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance. . . 

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

I wish I could give you good news but I think you have figured it out. The USB 2.0 port is on its own circuit; it is a daughterboard that plugs into the motherboard on a ribbon cable. The USB 3.0 ports are soldered to the motherboard so when those go bad (and we know they did by the diagnostic result) it means replacing the motherboard. The USB 2.0 port can still work as you have seen. Sorry. This is your service manual just in case you want to get an idea what the laptop looks like inside. 

Manual

[Charlie_Diep]

Well, looks like i got some explaining to do to my mum. . . Thanks for the help! 

In any case, what options do I have now? Is a complete replacement of the underlying motherboard necessary? Or just a replacement of the troublesome ports themselves? (Hopefully, the latter. . . )

Thanks again. . . 

[Huffer]

It's hard to say. I have seen very expert technicians solder replacement usb ports onto a motherboard but generally that only works if there is physical damage to the ports themselves. If the underlying traces are damaged then the only possible thing to do is replace the motherboard.

[Charlie_Diep]

Well I guess that's that. 'Sbeen a good run with this computer. . . Wonder if a USB hub will help mitigate this thorn in my side. . . Ah well.

As always, I'm grateful for your help. 

See you 'round.

[Huffer]

If you can live with usb 2.0 only then a small sized hub would at least keep it useable until you are ready for a new one. 

[Charlie_Diep]

One last thing: may you point out the pesky motherboard in question?

I tried searching it up and got bizarre results. A part number would suffice. . . 

Thank you. 

[odane7]

I was having the same issue with my mine for the last 3 weeks. I now got this resolved by going inside and switching around the ribbon that connect the usb port/audio port on the right side.

All you have to do is take the end that is on the motherboard and insert it into the usb/audio port circuit.

Hope this help anyone that is having similar issue.