Question PC won't turn on unless battery-powered device is plugged in

[jackpirate]

Hi everybody!

I've been having this issue with my PC where it will only turn on if a battery-powered device is plugged into one of the front panel UBS ports. If I simply press the power button it doesn't turn on, nothing happens unless I plug something like a phone into one of the front panel ports, then the PC comes to life. My motherboard is a TUF Gaming Z490-Plus.

Here's what I've checked/tested so far:

• The power switch works to turn the machine OFF, but it won't turn it ON
• The front panel wires are correctly connected to the motherboard
• There's power going through the system, all ports are working normally
• The USB port "trick" only works with battery-powered devices, I've tried flash drives, etc, and the PC won't turn on with those.

What could possibly be going on?

 

[popatim]

Is this a new build or an old one that used to work fine?

 

[jackpirate]

Is this a new build or an old one that used to work fine?

That's an interesting question. I have used the same case for my past 2 builds. The issue was always present but it used to be more intermittent with my last build. With this current one, the problem is just permanent. For clarification, both of these builds are entirely different, the only thing in common is the PC case.