Laptop hardware question - USB ports

[Jonathan]

OK so my laptop decided not to let its USB ports work anymore
They'll work sometimes then stop. I know this, because I honestly cannot
stand the touchpad mouse device on laptops. I use a MS Trackball.

Well of course, I love photography. Right now its the only relaxing thing
I have left since my car stopped working and I'm having to wait and save
to fix it (and this means taking myself off the insurance so I can't drive period).

But since USB isn't working... I can't hook my flash-memory reader up.
Under Device Manager it says 'Base System Device - ?' ~ I'm guessing the mobo?
I cannot recall if I had ever reinstalled windows on this device.
Would that be a problem? Maybe the drivers for the mobo are missing?
Hence not recognizing the USB ports? All 3 of them have same issues.
OR do I need to install a USB driver? Since I'm not sure if I had wiped my HD...

OR is it a hardware problem? A connection came undone, etc?

[Elite]

I'd guess you need drivers from the laptop manufacturer - most if not all will have them for download... - strange that the USB ports sometimes work though???

I hear what your saying about the touchpad mouse, although having turned off the "tap to click" option it i find it much more useable

[Jonathan]

I've re-downloaded all the drivers from mfg's website.
I have a CyberPower PC laptop, btw. Its the best computer I've owned
Never had a problem in 3yrs that I've had it until now. I just really don't
care to take it to my local PC shop (their really good in services/prices though)
unless I have to. But the drivers don't make a difference..

[Pedja]

Have you tried anything else on that USB besides that USB memory reader?

[Jonathan]

I tried every USB device I own (external 120GB HD, 3 mice, and memory reader).
All failed to work on my laptop and rest worked on the family PC. I don't have
my own desktop PC.

I ended up taking to down to the local PC store that I have alot of positive experiance
with. In the end they said some spyware/adware that the one program I was using
(Ad-Aware) was missing and it was bogging the processor down. After clearing that
off everything works now. But the USB connections on the motherboard is a little
loose. Nothing they can do to fix it. Blah. But it works for now...

[Elite]

Glad you got it back up and running