USB Port problem - Keyboard

Hello guys, new to this forum- hope you guys can help a rookie (hopefully soon to be a little more than a rookie) out.

I have USB ports in the front of my PC (I also have some extra custom added USB ports that work exactly like the front ones):
-They DO work once Windows has started
-They DON'T work during boot up

I have USB ports in the back of my PC (Connected to the motherboard, I think):
-They DO work in Windows
-They DO work during boot up
*However, as of yesterday, they don't work AT ALL. Even when I plug in a regular USB stick after Windows has started up, there's absolutely nothing.*

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/817900
This 'If you quickly and repeatedly insert and remove a USB device, the USB port may stop responding. When the port is in this state, it no longer recognizes any USB device, and the USB device will not work.' is exactly what happened, I unplugged my keyboard and plugged in a USB stick, after which I again replugged that keyboard. (USB stick didn't work either.)

However, method 1 method 2 and method 3 do NOT work. I've uninstalled all the Host Controllers and let them reinstall, I've looked for hardware changes, restarted my PC several times, I even ran the lazy 'fix it for me'-program that is available on that site. I also already went into regedit and executed the DisableSelectiveSuspend trick. Didn't work either. The PS/2 ports (learned another word today!) aren't responding either- EDIT: With this I mean that I plugged my USB keyboard into one of those USB -> PS/2 converters and plugged that in).

Been going at this for several hours now. As you might imagine, I am not entertained. The window to my left is slowly looking more and more like a goal and my PC like a bal. (j/k, seriously though, having no progress at all is kind of bothersome.)

EDIT: The reason why I need this is get into the BIOS.

-Milo

 

Milo, welcome to WindowsBBS

Buy or borrow a cheap PS/2 keyboard (the adapter you're using often don't work and all I've seen are ones for mice not keyboards).

Once you've done what you require to do in the BIOS (which is what by the way) we can take a closer look at your USB issues.

For everyone reading this I always recommend that if you have PS/2 ports on your computer keep a cheap PS/2 keyboard stored away somewhere just for this kind of situation.

 

Thanks.

-I thought I had one of those PS/2 keyboards lying around, wasn't the case, just ordered one- sites says it'll be here tomorrow, but you know how those things work.

-I need to get into the BIOS, because: I'm trying to get a dual boot Windows Vista / Ubuntu 10.10 going. Vista's fine, Ubuntu is giving me some problems. The current one being that IT SEEMS that my BIOS isn't set to boot from the CD (which contains Ubuntu). (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BootFromCD)

*Like I said, it seems, not certain if that's the actual problem. However, even if for some reason I don't need to get into the BIOS, I'd still need my keyboard to be able to function during boot up to select an OS- Vista or Ubuntu.

-I second you advising to have a PS/2 keyboard lying around, this isn't the first time that one would have come in real handy.

 

Which brings a chicken in the egg situation? How do you enable legacy USB if you don't have a PS/2 keyboard

I actually thought that that is what Milo was going to be doing (and Milo once in there, do it) but it still is handy to have a cheap PS/2 keyboard available.

 

The ones in the front are also connected to the MOBO. Usually with a round cable. They just plug in on pins.

 

MrBill although that is more often than not the case it's by no means certain. Milo also has an addon card judging by his description and the front USB ports could be connected to that.

Milo, perhaps if you could complete your system specifications it would help...

Please complete your system details.

 

Will look for this 'usb legacy support'. This PC is 3 or 4 years old though, and I read some of them might not have this option. Anyways, we'll see if this problem is solved once I get my PS/2.

 

Arie, I've encountered several problems in the past (admittedly with older systems). From legacy not being the default or not working at all.

 

Okay so I just got my PS/2 keyboard. Guys, it doesn't work.

It's a cheap one (It DOES work with Vista- says so on the box. To be specific "Designed for Windows XP" "Works with Windows Vista ".) - It has no software (Confirmed on their site). I followed the basic instructions of turn computer off - plug in the keyboard - turn computer on. No response yet.

I asked my previous question on several forums and you guys by far seemed most knowledgeable, any ideas while I throw myself at the problem? (Have only been going at it for about 10 minutes, maybe I'll figure it out myself.)

Edit: Could it be that my motherboard is just ****ed? Anyway to make sure?

-Thanks in advance!
Milo.

 

Hi Milo,

Regarding the state of your motherboard, it's possible, when you tried the PS/2 adapter did you turn the computer off when connecting/disconnecting (unlike USB PS/2 devices are not hot pluggable)?

If you post the motherboard details (Manufacturer/Model)we can try to reset the BIOS.

EDIT, another thought. You are using the correct PS/2 socket aren't you? If colour coded you should be using the Purple one not the Green one (that's for the mouse)

 

Fast response!

When using the PS/2 adapter (adapter being the thing I plugged my USB keyboard in) I did NOT turn the computer off when connecting/disconnecting. HOWEVER with this PS/2 keyboard I did.

I am using the correct PS/2 socket. Hell, since the slogan of this keyboard is something like plug-in and go I even tried the mouse one.

Would resetting the BIOS somehow be dangerous to my harddrive? With dxdiag it says my BIOS = Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00 PG.

Edit: Kind of feel like Murphy's law is really settling into this whole thing.

 

Milo if you use SIW as described here you should be able to determine your motherboard manufacturer and model.

I wouldn't imagine reseting the BIOS will cause a problem but post the information requested and we'll take it from there. I'm assuming you have some keyboard control once windows has started (USB?) and if so you may be lucky and only fried the PS/2 ports or luckier still they may just be disabled in the BIOS.

 

Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
Model: MS-7235
Version: REV:1.1

And yes, my USB keyboard is still working fine in Windows. (I'm writing all this on the PC in question.)

When it comes to BIOS I am completely clueless by the way. But I've heard it's no place to **** around so no worries, I'll double check right about everything I do.

 

OK, Download your motherboard manual from here (no need to enter an email address, the code in step two will still give you access to the document) Look at pages en-10 for clear cmos instructions (use page en-2 as a guide to where the Clear CMOS button is). Obviously do this when the computer is switched off.

Once done, try starting your computer and see if the USB ports (on the M/Board) are working during boot now.