Question Unusual USB Problem

[KennyKB]

I have an unusual USB problem. One of my two USB 3.0 front panel ports is not working properly while the other works fine. The port which doesn't work properly is able to charge my phone but cannot display the contents of a USB drive. Both USB ports are connected to a single connector which plugs into the motherboard USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector.

My online research shows this to be a fairly common problem with Lian Li Lancool 216 case but nobody has offered a solution. One user said the solution involved some setting in the BIOS but could not give the steps. Device Manager shows everything normal. I've updated to the latest BIOS version and all USB ports are enabled in BIOS. Any insight on this?

Tried with no success: Deleting and reinstalling USB Host Controller and USB Root Hub in Device Manager

System: i7 14700 CPU on MSI B760M-a motherboard, Lian Li Lancool 216 case
OS: Windows 10 Pro ver. 22H2

Device Manager info

Motherboard connector info

Case front panel info:

 

[Ralston18]

Which specific USB port is not working?

How many USB devices are connected?

This:

"Both USB ports are connected to a single connector which plugs into the motherboard USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector."

As I read and understand that sentence, it appears that the "single connector" is a splitter of some sort - correct?

One end (single end) plugs into the motherboard at JUSB3-4 and the other two (?) ends go to respective USB ports on the case - correct?

If so and if possible swap the dual end connections between USB ports on the front case. Does the problem follow one end or the other of the dual end connections?

 

[Misgar]

I have an unusual USB problem.

I had a similar problem. I could still charge devices requiring +5V but couldn't read USB memory sticks. On investigation, I found one of the data leads to the front panel USB socket was broken (not making a connection down to the motherboard). It was USB2 and I managed to solder the wire back on the socket.

Things to check

Unplug the cable from the 19-way motherboard USB 3.2 Gen 1 header and look for bent or broken pins. The pins can become bent over and flattened, or snap off, if you don't insert the cable end carefully. N.B. This 19-way header contains two separate (isolated) USB3 ports.

https://superuser.com/questions/166...-3-0-on-this-motherboard-if-it-has-broken-pin

If a pin is badly bent, it'll probably break off when you try to straighten it. Only fix I know involves a hot air rework station to remove the broken header and replace with a new one.

Alternatively, it's equally possible the USB socket on the front panel has one or more damaged data pins (the +5V VCC and GND pins are obviously still OK).

https://electronics.stackexchange.c...-if-certain-pins-missing-on-usb-3-0-interface

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0

This is a view into a USB3 Type-A panel mount socket:

Shine a light into the socket and look for bent contacts. You might be able to straighten them with a sharp sewing needle. Best done with the power completely disconnected from the ATX PSU to make sure +5VSB is not present. It's only 5V DC so perfectly safe, but you should avoid shorting out any live pins in the USB plug or socket, to prevent damage to the mobo.


This is a view into a USB3 Type-A cable plug. The four large flat contacts at the front are "USB2". The five smaller contacts deeper inside are what makes it "USB3".

If you have a multimeter, set it to the Ohms range (continuity) and buzz the connections from the front panel sockets through to the other end of the splitter cable. If you find an open-circuit connection, there's not a lot you can do to repair the lead, but at least you'll have found the fault.

If all else fails, buy a new cable from Lian Li, or consider something like this if you can make it fit (not easy).

https://www.amazon.com/XMSJSIY-Moth...prefix=usb3+19-way+cable+panel,aps,152&sr=8-1

 

[KennyKB]

Which specific USB port is not working?

How many USB devices are connected?

This:

"Both USB ports are connected to a single connector which plugs into the motherboard USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector."

As I read and understand that sentence, it appears that the "single connector" is a splitter of some sort - correct?

One end (single end) plugs into the motherboard at JUSB3-4 and the other two (?) ends go to respective USB ports on the case - correct?

If so and if possible swap the dual end connections between USB ports on the front case. Does the problem follow one end or the other of the dual end connections?

Hi Ralston, thanks for your reply. The specific USB port isn't important as they are identical. There are usually no USB devices connected on the front panel as they are only used when required to read a USB drive or transfer files to a phone or tablet.

The two USB ports go to the single connector by individual cables which are paralleled at the single connector. I will try to swap them at the USB ports and see what happens.

I've tried connecting to JUSB-4 instead of JUSB-3 and it got worse with both USB ports not working.

Thanks for your time.

 

[KennyKB]

I had a similar problem. I could still charge devices requiring +5V but couldn't read USB memory sticks. On investigation, I found one of the data leads to the front panel USB socket was broken (not making a connection down to the motherboard). It was USB2 and I managed to solder the wire back on the socket.

Hi Misgar, thanks for your detailed reply which must have taken a lot of your time.

You've given me ideas on what to check and I will act on them. It's possible that I could have bent one of the pins on the motherboard socket as I had difficulty in plugging in the connector.

The Y cable is certainly an option if it is the cable problem.

I will report back when I have done the checks. Thanks again!

 

[KennyKB]

Misgar, you are right! One pin on my motherboard socket for the USB ports (JUSB3) appears to have broken off. This was probably caused by me while clumsily plugging in the connector. There's another USB 3 header on the MB (JUSB4) but I broke the pins on that as well.

Well, I guess I have to live with one usable USB-3 port out of two. Replacing my motherboard for this isn't going to happen. Not that I need two ports working but it would have been nice on a newly assembled PC (sigh).

Thanks again for your help. I salute your knowledge and experience.

 

[KennyKB]

For those who have destroyed their USB3 headers on their motherboard or want to add extra headers there is a solution. You can plug in a PCIe expansion card with 2 internal USB3 headers.

 

[Misgar]

One pin on my motherboard socket for the USB ports (JUSB3) appears to have broken off. This was probably caused by me while clumsily plugging in the connector.

Join the club! Those 19-pin USB headers and mating cables seem to be unnecessarily difficult to plug together, especially when the motherboard is buried deep inside a case, you can't see what you're doing and don't line things up carefully.

Having worked on aerospace projects where pairs of connectors cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, you get to recognise the limitations of plugs and sockets costing a few tens of cents. Witness the difficulties with +12VHPWR connector design. Throw enough money at things and you can reduce such problems, but then people wouldn't buy your extortionately priced products.