USB 3.0 Issue on ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

[Dee_867]

Hello. I'm having problems with my new motherboard, which is the 'ASUS Maximus VI Formula' that is running with an Intel Core i7-4770k processor. I have just recently put my rig together (2 days ago) and immediately noticed an issue with the four USB 3.0 ports that are located on the I/O of my motherboard. When my keyboard is plugged in to those USB's and I try to use the keyboard's volume buttons, the slider on the Microsoft mixer in my Win 7 starts to move on its own and it *doesn't* stop. If I try to manually drag the slider to its previous state, it will rapidly shoot back to the top. At first I thought it was the keyboard, but I'm almost convinced otherwise because the keyboard and its volume buttons work fine in the other USB 3.0's located below the previously mentioned four, and also on the front of my case. It also works fine with *all* USB 2.0's.

Here are the things I've tried to remedy this issue:

-Make sure all USB's are enabled in the BIOS.
-Make sure all the Intel USB 3.0's have the latest driver.
-Updated the built in Asmedia USB 3.0's to latest driver. (Perhaps one thing to try would be to delete the built-in Asmedia software, if it's even possible, and re-download, instead of update. It seems ASUS doesn't have the driver, just the update to what the motherboard already comes with.)

-I have properly uninstalled old versions before I downloaded/updated the above drivers. I made sure to do it from the Control Panel/Programs/Programs and Features and wipe up the registries after a reboot before the clean install.

I guess my question is: Should I try any other steps before I RMA the damn thing?

By the way, besides the volume button issue, the keyboard works fine, as well as my mouse. I don't mean to write a huge post over a 'volume button' issue that may be related to the motherboard, but I didn't pay 400 bucks for nine-tenths of something. I hope you guys can understand that.

Thanks in advance for your answers!

 

[raja@asus]

This sounds like some kind of driver issue rather than something you can solve with an RMA exchange.

What's the make/model and revision number (if any) of the keyboard and mouse?

 

[das_stig]

Stick to using keyboard/mouse on usb2 ports, better compatibility and less interference.

 

[Dee_867]

This sounds like some kind of driver issue rather than something you can solve with an RMA exchange.

What's the make/model and revision number (if any) of the keyboard and mouse?

I'm using a 'Kensington Slim Type Keyboard', model # JME-8277U, I don't believe it comes with any software. My mouse is an roughly a 3-4 year old 'HP', here is the information located on the back: "HP P/N:KY619AA REV .A, S/N: 1012004823.

I don't actually have an issue with my mouse, just the keyboard volume buttons that point towards the motherboard as being the culprit, but then again, I'm by no means a motherboard expert. Curious, what makes you think this is a driver/software issue?

 

[Dee_867]

Stick to using keyboard/mouse on usb2 ports, better compatibility and less interference.

Better compatibility? I thought that a mouse/keyboard in 3.0 works as well as 2.0, if not better. What 'interference' are you referring to?

 

[das_stig]

USB3 provides more power and could just be upsetting the keyboard

 

[Dee_867]

USB3 provides more power and could just be upsetting the keyboard

I would like to think that, but I've mentioned in my OP that my front 3.0 USB's don't have the volume issue, so if it's a power problem, why isn't it consistent?

 

[raja@asus]

This sounds like some kind of driver issue rather than something you can solve with an RMA exchange.

What's the make/model and revision number (if any) of the keyboard and mouse?

I'm using a 'Kensington Slim Type Keyboard', model # JME-8277U, I don't believe it comes with any software. My mouse is an roughly a 3-4 year old 'HP', here is the information located on the back: "HP P/N:KY619AA REV .A, S/N: 1012004823.

I don't actually have an issue with my mouse, just the keyboard volume buttons that point towards the motherboard as being the culprit, but then again, I'm by no means a motherboard expert. Curious, what makes you think this is a driver/software issue?

It's the USB 3.0 drivers or the firmware that is not sitting well with the keyboard I suspect. Exchanging the board won't fix that. Of course you are welcome to try if you feel like it will or may.

-Raja

 

[raja@asus]

USB3 provides more power and could just be upsetting the keyboard

No. USB 3.0 simply is able to "supply" more current. The device attached will only consume the amount of power it needs so this is not the issue at all.

Think of AC in your home. You have devices connected to the mains - each device pulls what it needs, it's isn't forced to accept more current than it needs. Power deliver a DC on the motherboard is exactly the same.

 

[Dee_867]

This sounds like some kind of driver issue rather than something you can solve with an RMA exchange.

What's the make/model and revision number (if any) of the keyboard and mouse?

I'm using a 'Kensington Slim Type Keyboard', model # JME-8277U, I don't believe it comes with any software. My mouse is an roughly a 3-4 year old 'HP', here is the information located on the back: "HP P/N:KY619AA REV .A, S/N: 1012004823.

I don't actually have an issue with my mouse, just the keyboard volume buttons that point towards the motherboard as being the culprit, but then again, I'm by no means a motherboard expert. Curious, what makes you think this is a driver/software issue?

It's the USB 3.0 drivers or the firmware that is not sitting well with the keyboard I suspect. Exchanging the board won't fix that. Of course you are welcome to try if you feel like it will or may.

-Raja

I still don't understand why it works in other USB 3.0's on the motherboard.

Here is a quick update:

-I have tried clearing the CMOS as directed by ASUS over the phone, with zero success. They also recommended that I try another keyboard with volume keys, but I don't have that option.
-I've found out that Asmedia controls those 4 specific USB's that are causing this weird volume issue. The others are powered by Intel, and have no issues whatsoever.

-Interestingly enough, my motherboard manual says that those 4 Asmedia USB's are used for 'data-storage'. Perhaps this is why my keyboard works, but not all of it's functions, although USB 3.0 should be no different than 2.0 when it comes to keyboard compatibility.

 

[raja@asus]

Some of the USb 3.0 ports are Intel and others are ASmedia. The firmware for these devices and their respective drivers are different so you may find the keyboard works better with one type of controller over the other.

The term storage for ASmedia usually refers to the SATA ports and at most may refer to USB BOOST - not to be confused with which devices one can actually use with the ports.

-Raja

This sounds like some kind of driver issue rather than something you can solve with an RMA exchange.

What's the make/model and revision number (if any) of the keyboard and mouse?

I'm using a 'Kensington Slim Type Keyboard', model # JME-8277U, I don't believe it comes with any software. My mouse is an roughly a 3-4 year old 'HP', here is the information located on the back: "HP P/N:KY619AA REV .A, S/N: 1012004823.

I don't actually have an issue with my mouse, just the keyboard volume buttons that point towards the motherboard as being the culprit, but then again, I'm by no means a motherboard expert. Curious, what makes you think this is a driver/software issue?

It's the USB 3.0 drivers or the firmware that is not sitting well with the keyboard I suspect. Exchanging the board won't fix that. Of course you are welcome to try if you feel like it will or may.

-Raja

I still don't understand why it works in other USB 3.0's on the motherboard.

Here is a quick update:

-I have tried clearing the CMOS as directed by ASUS over the phone, with zero success. They also recommended that I try another keyboard with volume keys, but I don't have that option.
-I've found out that Asmedia controls those 4 specific USB's that are causing this weird volume issue. The others are powered by Intel, and have no issues whatsoever.

-Interestingly enough, my motherboard manual says that those 4 Asmedia USB's are used for 'data-storage'. Perhaps this is why my keyboard works, but not all of it's functions, although USB 3.0 should be no different than 2.0 when it comes to keyboard compatibility.

 

[Dee_867]

Some of the USb 3.0 ports are Intel and others are ASmedia. The firmware for these devices and their respective drivers are different so you may find the keyboard works better with one type of controller over the other.

The term storage for ASmedia usually refers to the SATA ports and at most may refer to USB BOOST - not to be confused with which devices one can actually use with the ports.

-Raja

This sounds like some kind of driver issue rather than something you can solve with an RMA exchange.

What's the make/model and revision number (if any) of the keyboard and mouse?

I'm using a 'Kensington Slim Type Keyboard', model # JME-8277U, I don't believe it comes with any software. My mouse is an roughly a 3-4 year old 'HP', here is the information located on the back: "HP P/N:KY619AA REV .A, S/N: 1012004823.

I don't actually have an issue with my mouse, just the keyboard volume buttons that point towards the motherboard as being the culprit, but then again, I'm by no means a motherboard expert. Curious, what makes you think this is a driver/software issue?

It's the USB 3.0 drivers or the firmware that is not sitting well with the keyboard I suspect. Exchanging the board won't fix that. Of course you are welcome to try if you feel like it will or may.

-Raja

I still don't understand why it works in other USB 3.0's on the motherboard.

Here is a quick update:

-I have tried clearing the CMOS as directed by ASUS over the phone, with zero success. They also recommended that I try another keyboard with volume keys, but I don't have that option.
-I've found out that Asmedia controls those 4 specific USB's that are causing this weird volume issue. The others are powered by Intel, and have no issues whatsoever.

-Interestingly enough, my motherboard manual says that those 4 Asmedia USB's are used for 'data-storage'. Perhaps this is why my keyboard works, but not all of it's functions, although USB 3.0 should be no different than 2.0 when it comes to keyboard compatibility.

I see. I'm going to buy a cheap keyboard today and see if it provides a remedy to my problem. On a side note, would a clean OS reinstall without anything plugged into the Asmedia USB 3.0 slots be of any help?

 

[raja@asus]

It might be worth trying a dummy install on a spare HDD and seeing if that helps. At least that way you dont have to re-install all the software again.

 

[Dee_867]

It might be worth trying a dummy install on a spare HDD and seeing if that helps. At least that way you dont have to re-install all the software again.

I bought a brand new 25 dollar Microsoft keyboard today with independent volume buttons that aren't bound to an 'F' key, just like my old keyboard. Well... That didn't help at all. In fact, I have the *exact* same problem. Casper the ghost is controlling my volume slider. I guess I'm going to try a dummy install and see if that fixes my issue, although I can't see how it would.

Here is something interesting that I've found this morning. This is a list of my 'Universal Serial Bus controllers' that is located within the 'Device Manager' --

x2 Generic USB Hub,
x1 Intel (R) 8 Series/C220 Series USB EHCI #1
x1 Intel (R) 8 Series/C220 Series USB EHCI #2
x1 Intel (R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
x1 Intel (R) USB 3.0 Root Hub
x1 USB 2.0 MTT Hub
x1 USB 3.0 Hub
x1 USB Composite Device
x2 USB Root Hub

I don't know if this is normal, but I don't actually see the 'Asmedia' USB or controller of any kind in that list. Weirdly enough, when I went inside my BIOS to check again if all the USB's were enabled, four of them had an 'E' next to it, and upon reading the description turned out to be powered by Asmedia1024, or something similar to that number, which I assume is the driver for them. Shouldn't it be listed in my Device Manager? Perhaps it's built-in, or some physical chip on the motherboard itself? If so, how would I delete this "driver" and reinstall it? The ONLY thing that ASUS offers on their website for my specific motherboard is a firmware *update* to the Asmedia USB controller, but not the original driver. Apparently I'm updating either something I can't see, or nothing at all. I'm really confused, but I do believe my USB problem lies with the Asmedia software. I'm actually a bit surprised that my Intel chip isn't controlling ALL of the USB 3.0's... I mean, why not? Why just 2 in the front and 2 in the back?

 

[raja@asus]

Depends what the chipset has available - so we have to use extra controllers. The drives are likely Win 8 embedded.

The FW upgrade is recommended if you haven't done so alread.

I should add at this point, ideally you should be using the keyboard in a USB 2.0 port (its always best to). Most people do. USB 3.0 while backwards compatible is not always compatible with all USB 2.0 devices as you are finding out. As you have other ports to use, you are putting yourself through a lot of hassle for something you may not be able to fix.

-Raja

 

[Dee_867]

Depends what the chipset has available - so we have to use extra controllers. The drives are likely Win 8 embedded.

The FW upgrade is recommended if you haven't done so alread.

I should add at this point, ideally you should be using the keyboard in a USB 2.0 port (its always best to). Most people do. USB 3.0 while backwards compatible is not always compatible with all USB 2.0 devices as you are finding out. As you have other ports to use, you are putting yourself through a lot of hassle for something you may not be able to fix.

-Raja

What do you mean by "drives are likely Win 8 embedded"? I thought that USB 3.0 was USB 1, 1.1, and 2 compatible. I understand I have other ports and that is absolutely fine, it's just that I got this board 3 days ago and I want it to work flawlessly, especially for the price tag. Why is it always best to use 2.0 for keyboards? Isn't it virtually the same? Doesn't a 2.0 device plugged into a 3.0 make it function like a 2.0, therefor making zero difference in performance? Hm... Is there at least a way to make sure that my Asmedia USB 3.0's are functioning properly? Some sort of a test perhaps? If they can transfer files at higher speeds than a 2.0, then at least I know they are working as intended.

By the way, the dummy install did not fix my issue. :/

 

[raja@asus]

You'll have to live with it if you insist on using your keyboard on that port and you are using the latest firmware. While the ports are supposed to be backward compatible there may be some devices like your keyboard's volume control that still don't work 100%.

A future update may help( I will report it to HQ if I can), but until there is such an update (and it could take a long time), you'd be best advised to stick with the USB 2.0 ports or the other ports that work if you want the volume control to work how you want it to. You can always try going through the online ASUS service as well (use Google with the term ASUS service for your local dept and take it from there.)


USB 3.0 has drivers it's just the MS embeds drivers for some devices when they become common.

Good luck with your board - use the USB 2.0 or other 3.0 ports that work and be happy with it No point in getting too obsessive when one has some options at hand.

Sorry I can not offer any more help.

-Raja

 

[Dee_867]

You'll have to live with it if you insist on using your keyboard on that port and you are using the latest firmware. While the ports are supposed to be backward compatible there may be some devices like your keyboard's volume control that still don't work 100%.

A future update may help( I will report it to HQ if I can), but until there is such an update (and it could take a long time), you'd be best advised to stick with the USB 2.0 ports or the other ports that work if you want the volume control to work how you want it to. You can always try going through the online ASUS service as well (use Google with the term ASUS service for your local dept and take it from there.)


USB 3.0 has drivers it's just the MS embeds drivers for some devices when they become common.

Good luck with your board - use the USB 2.0 or other 3.0 ports that work and be happy with it No point in getting too obsessive when one has some options at hand.

Sorry I can not offer any more help.

-Raja

I understand what you are saying, and I thank you for taking the time out of your day to help me with my issue. It's greatly appreciated.

 

[RaW D Coy]

I have the same problem on my board but not with any keyboards or mice but my storage units. I recently fixed the intel ports with the latest drivers but Asmedia ports still is in the dark. My problem is that it disconnects the devices randomly or under transfers. It still is visible in the explorer but my usb transfer program says that the device get disconnected it must get disconnected in a micro second just so the transfer get skrewd up but windows to slow to notice in the explorer or something like that... did you find out what chip the usb 3.0 ports run of on? by that i mean the Asmedia chip version.

 

[Omenworks]

I have the same problem on my board but not with any keyboards or mice but my storage units. I recently fixed the intel ports with the latest drivers but Asmedia ports still is in the dark. My problem is that it disconnects the devices randomly or under transfers. It still is visible in the explorer but my usb transfer program says that the device get disconnected it must get disconnected in a micro second just so the transfer get skrewd up but windows to slow to notice in the explorer or something like that... did you find out what chip the usb 3.0 ports run of on? by that i mean the Asmedia chip version.

Hi,

I have exact the same problem with storage devices. Did you manage to fix that problem ?

 

[RaW D Coy]

I have the same problem on my board but not with any keyboards or mice but my storage units. I recently fixed the intel ports with the latest drivers but Asmedia ports still is in the dark. My problem is that it disconnects the devices randomly or under transfers. It still is visible in the explorer but my usb transfer program says that the device get disconnected it must get disconnected in a micro second just so the transfer get skrewd up but windows to slow to notice in the explorer or something like that... did you find out what chip the usb 3.0 ports run of on? by that i mean the Asmedia chip version.

Hi,

I have exact the same problem with storage devices. Did you manage to fix that problem ?

well kinda i got a replacement and re installed the drivers/firmwares and it kinda works now i haven't done any extended tests.

 

[romendra]

I have the exact same issue with this stupid board. I'm going g with a gigabyte next time. I bought a asus laptop a few days ago and the screen in the pits! Back to the USB problem. The ASMedia usb 3 ports stopped working. With windows 7 it worked perfectly. The second windows 8 was installed everything went haywire. Can't find drivers that work anywhere. Asus doesn't have an installable windows 8 driver even though they have a driver listed under Windows 8. It gives me a compatible error and exits.

For me, it doest matter what I plug into those ports. They don't work. I see devices pop up bug then disconnect within seconds.

If anyone has a solution, please let me know. Oh and this is the second board it's happening to. My warrantee swotched the board for a second board with a few months of the purchase. Second board has exact same issue.