How to Fix USB Device Not Recognised Error

When USB Devices Are Not Recognised

The "USB device not recognised" error appears when Windows cannot identify a connected device. Here is how to fix it.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Basic Troubleshooting

• Unplug the USB device
• Wait 10 seconds
• Plug it back in

Try Different Ports

• Unplug the device
• Try a different USB port
• Prefer ports directly on the computer rather than through a hub
• Try both USB 2.0 (black) and USB 3.0 (blue) ports

Check the Device

• Try the device on another computer
• Check for visible damage
• For storage devices, check the connector for debris

Restart Your Computer

• Unplug the USB device
• Restart your computer
• Once restarted, plug the device back in

Software Fixes

Update USB Drivers

• Right-click the Start button
• Click Device Manager
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
• Right-click each USB Root Hub
• Click Update driver
• Click Search automatically for drivers
• Repeat for all USB Root Hubs

Reinstall USB Controllers

If updating did not help:

• In Device Manager, find Universal Serial Bus controllers
• Right-click each USB controller
• Click Uninstall device
• Confirm uninstall
• Restart your computer
• Windows will reinstall the USB drivers automatically

Check for Unknown Devices

• In Device Manager, look for Unknown device or devices with yellow warning icons
• Right-click the problem device
• Try Update driver
• If that fails, try Uninstall device, then restart

Power Management Settings

USB ports sometimes turn off to save power:

• In Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
• Right-click USB Root Hub
• Click Properties
• Click the Power Management tab
• Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
• Click OK
• Repeat for all USB Root Hubs

Windows Troubleshooter

• Open Settings (Windows key + I)
• Go to System > Troubleshoot
• Click Other troubleshooters
• Find Hardware and Devices and click Run
• Follow the prompts

If Hardware and Devices is not listed:

• Press Windows key + R
• Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
• Press Enter
• Click Next to run the troubleshooter

Specific Device Types

USB Storage Devices

For flash drives and external hard drives:

• Open Disk Management (right-click Start > Disk Management)
• Look for the device—it may need a drive letter assigned
• Right-click the drive and select Change Drive Letter and Paths
• Add a new drive letter

USB Keyboards and Mice

• Try a different port
• For wireless devices, re-pair with the receiver
• Check device batteries

USB Phones and Cameras

• Unlock your phone before connecting
• Select File Transfer mode on the phone
• Install manufacturer software or drivers if required

When USB Ports Do Not Work At All

If no USB devices work:

• Check BIOS settings (contact IT for help with this)
• USB ports may be physically damaged
• Motherboard issues may require repair

When to Contact IT

Contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au if:

• Multiple USB ports do not work
• An essential device will not connect
• You see frequent USB errors
• You need to connect a specialised device
• These fixes did not resolve the problem

Need Help?

For USB issues, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.