USB 3.0 has totally stopped working in Windows 8.1

As you can see I have the w230st with Windows 7 - With perfectly working usb3 ports.
Now I have tested 4 different usb3 devices on both machines(see signature). They all register as usb3 devices on usb3 ports for the w230st. If I plug them in its usb2 port, it correctly registers as usb2.
Now the way I have tested is both data-transfer and hwinfo64/pcwizard.
And then there is the p157sm with Windows 8.1. I have had variable success with usb3 for approx. 1 year since I got the laptop but now there is nothing. None of the same 4 peripherals register as usb3, and it also shows in transfer.
I can connect the usb3 devices to the usb2 port no problem, and 3 of them also function as usb2 devices in usb3 ports. The last one goes completely bonkers when I connect it, connceting and disconnecting in very rapid intervals.

I am at the end of my wits. I have seen how people install the windows 7 Intel usb stack instead, so I am wondering if this is a solution ?
If not, anybody know some other way to attack this problem ? People are reported to have problems with usb3 drivers in Windows 8/8.1 but there seems to be little response from Microsoft on that matter....
If anyone has experienced similar problems and knows how to solve this I would be sooo happy and appreciative

 

I was having the same problem except with USB 2 devices in the USB 3 spots I have no idea why I just bought new usb3 devices

 

I'm not sure if I understand you here. usb 2 devices would not work in usb3 ports ? I am actually seeing that too...
But you say you bought new usb3 devices ? You mean like ext. hdd's , or did you actually replace something ?
What I mean is did you manage to fix your problems ?

 

I found a hack that at least gives me full-speed pleasure and I would like to share in case anybody found themselves in the same dire situation as I was. I finally managed to get my usb 3.0 ports working by installing usb 3.0 drivers for Windows 7.
This description : Fastboot Drivers Windows 8.1 [FIX] x64 | Xperia Arc | XDA Forum was recent and should work.
BUT REMEMBER to uninstall all your USB devices in Device Manager first of all, restart, reinstall your chipset driver( From Clevo/sager), use Ccleaner's registry cleaner, restart once more, and then follow instructions in the link.
Only thing to remember there is that when you follow his link to Intel's download page, see that you download "usb 3.0 extensible controller" for the right chipset. His link is for Intel series 7 chipsets. I had to find the one for 8 series.
I tried a lot of different workarounds and hacks before I found this, and had to add some details that were missing and botched up my installation. Read through carefully and it should work.
Feel free to PM if it doesnt, but remember that these things can differ if you are on other manufacturer than Clevo/sager.

For good measure I'll add another link with the same process, but this one is older: http://plugable.com/2012/12/01/windows-8-and-intel-usb-3-0-host-controllers