Left Side USB Ports Not Working

Okay, the USB ports--and only the USB ports-- on the left side of my r1 m17x stopped working a while ago. I respawned the laptop, but it hasn't solved the problem. This happened out of nowhere, my laptop didn't fall or anything, so I've no idea what to do.

My warranty ended, unfortunately. If this thing is unsolvable (at least at home) where can I send my laptop to have it repaired?

 

Just wanted to update, one of the USB ports on the right side also stopped working a few hours ago.

 

Did they not work immediately after the respawn?

 

The reason I ask, is, if they worked immediately after the respawn, it could be anti-virus causing the issue. I have witnessed this issue with Microsoft Security Essentials with the "Scan USB" option selected.

 

I haven't checked that, but I'm quite sure that's not the case because the ports worked well the first few months after I bought the m17x a year ago.

 

do any errors show up in the device manager ?

 

No, it's all "This device is working properly."

 

what device are you using on the USB port ?

I seen problems with USB related to the +5 volt power no longer working, so some devices that power off the USB port stop working,

 

Well, if you mean what device I've used before the first two ports went out, I don't remember that. Nothing, not even a simple 4 GB flash drive works on them now.

For the one that just went out, I was using Roccat Apuri USB Hub ( ROCCAT STUDIOS V3.0 - PRODUCTS » Gaming Accessories » ROCCAT Apuri) mostly because two USB ports are simply not enough for me.

So you say I may have overloaded and fried my ports? Do I need to replace them?

 

are you using the Ac adaptor with this Hub ?

and if so, confirm that even with the AC adaptor the 3 usb ports are not working now ?

 

Okay, I have four ports, one through four. 1 and 2 are the right side ports, 3 and 4 are the left side ports.

With the AC, the hub responds to ports 1 and 2, and doesn't respond to ports 3 and 4. I connected a Razor Mamba mouse to the hub to check if it works, and it does.

Without the AC, same thing.

But, when I try the mouse itself on the ports, it only works properly in Port 2. When I insert it directly into Port 1, the mouse's lights flare up, but it doesn't get recognized by the laptop.

I can also charge my iPhone in Ports 1 and 2, but not on 3 and 4.

My Transcend 500 GB external hd also only works on 1 and 2.

So far, the only things that fail to work on Port 2 are my mouse and Speedlink Medusa NX headphones. Everything else works.

I took pictures of my Ports to help you further.

Ports 3 and 4:

Imageshack - 136qo.jpg
Imageshack - 137gi.jpg

Ports 1 and 2:

Imageshack - 142yq.jpg

 

Doesn't sound good to me. I'd guess that the USB controller, or some of the surrounding componentry, is dying. This almost certainly means that you'll need a new motherboard.

It's possible to find the motherboard on eBay. I don't know exactly what to look for, but someone like Joker may be able to point you in the right direction. There are plenty of videos on YouTube on how to disassemble a M17x, so you can probably do the replacement yourself. Otherwise, it wouldn't be too hard to find someone to do the replacement for you.

 

Why do you think so? I mean, if you look at Ports 3 and 4, they're physically damaged, so that's probably why they don't work. I guess the only problem is about Port 1, in which only some devices work.

 

the physically damaged ports are self explanitory.

the 2 working ports (1&2) do not look that great either from the photos.

I am not sure if you can just change the USB ports (connector) or of they are on a daughter card, but I would say your issues are most liklely due to the physical condition of the ports.

it maybe cheaper in the long run to use a express card USB port as your only choice otherwise would be to replace the motherboard if the ports themselves cannot be fixed.

 

Then I think I'll need a professional service to fix this problem. Currently I like in Turkey, but I'll be in the USA for college (West Coast). I've been wanting to have some parts of my m17x upgraded as well.

Is there a service that can help me? I'm having trouble finding it on Google. My warranty has ended, but can I still pay Alienware/Dell to fix and/or upgrade parts?

 

yes Dell will sell you parts, there are complete service manausl on dells site, in the support section that you can download if you feel comfortable to replace parts yourself.

or you can use a USB card (expresscard type) and save a possible expensive repair for now anyways.

 

Oops... I didn't look at the pictures. The right-hand of ports 3 and 4 is definitely damaged, and will certainly not work. The left-hand port looks OK.

With that physical damage, there may also have been some electrical damage to the USB controller. This may explain why certain devices don't always work correctly. I had this happen on a Toshiba laptop a few years ago, and it was only a few months before the machine died. I have a feeling that there was enough of an electrical short that it eventually took out other components too.

Replacing the ports is a must, but I would recommend avoiding use of the laptop until then. More use may cause more electrical damage, which could lead to the same terminal fate as my old Toshy.

 

+1 to electrical damage.

When I was working in desktop assembly, whenever a noob work experience guy would wire up the USB front panel incorrectly it would fry the USB controller on the board.

Because the damage ports at one stage most probably touched eachother in a bad way, the usb controller is boned.

You will need a whole new MOBO and maybe an I/O board as well, and its gonna be difficult to fix it so get the tech to do it.

Damage like that usually isnt warranty covered either.

Next time, if a device isnt going in easily, dont force it. You have it the wrong way around.

-Ash