USB is active in (2) ports wired directly to/out the mobo. The problem is that the (2) USB ports on my USB kb and the (4) USB ports on my SONY monitor DO NOT transfer any data whatsoever to any camera, printer, or web cam that I have attached there. I realize that the kb and monitor USB ports are effectively "hubs" but why put them there if they are "dead"? What good are those USB ports if the do not work?