Hi, I'm wondering if your usb ports have given up.
A couple of years  ago, I installed a usb card (4 addtional ports) into my
system via one of the pci slots, and although I still use my regular usb
ports, these are a godsend. (so many things are usb nowadays)
The card was only a cheap one, yet has never given me any problems
whatsoever. I was running win98 at the time, which recognised it and loaded
the appropriate drivers with no problems.
If you have a spare pci slot, I'd try one of these cards if I were you.
If the card functions properly, then you'll find you'll have 4 usb ports, as
opposed to the standard 2, which is not enough for most people
nowadays.(printer, webcam, scanner, etc, etc)
I'm sure there will be plenty more suggestions on this board, but that would
be one of the first things I would try personally if all else has failed. I
hate the thought of not being able to 'get round' a problem.
I don't know how I ever managed with 2 ports before I got the card.

Hope this helps.
Michele Sayer


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