- Your laptop uses driver software to interface between hardware like a USB port and the operating system. The USB ports on the side of your laptop may not detect any connected devices if the chipset driver is corrupted or out of date. Fixing a USB problem caused by driver issues is resolved by downloading and installing the latest chipset driver available for your Inspiron 9200 directly through Dell's driver and download support Web page.
- Unresponsive USB ports aren't always caused by a problem with the laptop itself and may instead be caused by a problem with the USB device. Connecting a different USB device, such as a printer or flash memory drive, lets you know if the problem is with the device or the laptop's port. Format a USB flash drive that isn't working properly by clicking the Windows orb and "Computer," and then right-click the drive and click "Format."
- Normally USB devices have plug-and-play functionality and should be automatically detected by the operating system as soon as they're connected. If the laptop can't find a connected component, you need to manually uninstall and reinstall the device through the Device Manager window. To access the window, click the Windows orb, "Control Panel," "System and Maintenance" and "Device Manager." USB hardware that isn't working properly is listed as a yellow question mark underneath the Universal Serial Bus Controllers heading.
- One or both of the Inspiron's USB ports may suffer a hardware failure due to accidental damage and stop functioning entirely. If only one of the ports stops working and you need additional connectivity, a USB hub connected to the working port allows you to still connect extra devices. In the event that both ports are dead due to a hardware problem, contact Dell's customer support for a repair or replacement of the system board.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -