Asus USB-BT400 not detected

[icefall5]

I'm running W8.1 Pro (all updates installed). I've had an Asus USB-BT400 Bluetooth dongle attached for quite some time now (about a year) and I've never had any issues with it. A couple days ago, however, I noticed that Windows was making the chime for something being disconnected, then it would reconnect right away. It did this a few times, with the last chime being the disconnect chime. I didn't think much of it at the time.

I needed to use the Bluetooth a little while ago today, however, but I noticed that the Bluetooth icon was gone from my tray. Device Manager showed that the dongle was not being detected at all (no errors, it simply wasn't there). I pulled it out and the metal was BURNING hot. If I would have held onto it for more than a second or so I would've literally been burned, that's how hot it was. I left it out to cool then tried several other ports, but nothing works--Windows never even detects that something has been plugged in. (I did get Windows to detect it one time, but I pulled it out thinking it was fixed and put it back into the USB port I want it in permanently, but it didn't work and hasn't worked since then.)

This is a $5 Bluetooth dongle so it's not a huge deal, but I'd like to see if there's anything I can do before I buy a new one. Thanks!

 

[i7Baby]

Nup - chuck it in the bin. It's been burnt out. Replace it.

 

[icefall5]

Nup - chuck it in the bin. It's been burnt out. Replace it.

I figured that'd be the answer. Oh well, thank you. Would you happen to have a recommendation? Again, I know it was only $5 (+shipping) so I'm not too broken up about it, but I'd like a cheap-ish dongle that lasts longer than a year.

 

[i7Baby]

Looks like they vary from $10 to $20 - http://www.newegg.com/Network-Bluetooth/SubCategory/ID-295

Pick a mid price one from Asus.

 

[rdc85]

Have u check the BT driver, is it changed?..

at end of year windows roll out some driver update via windows update..
(some are not compatible with old/generic device)