Notebooks & Netbooks

[jspringer4]

I don't have another USB mouse, but I have tried plugging in my iPhone and it doesn't even show that it's getting power consistently and I get the same error messages that I get for the mouse (device driver did not install properly, unknown device warning in device manager) once it does manage to do something. I think the USB port is cutting in and out but still can't get devices installed even when it is "on".

[JackE]

You might want to pop off the back cover to see if the port is soldered to the MB or uses a ribbon connection. If the latter, you could try to re-seat it a half-dozen or so times to clean the contacts --- this usually resolves intermittent problems like this.

Jack E/NJ

[jspringer4]

There are three USB ports. One is soldered onto the motherboard and came loose a long time ago because of a different mouse that had a very large dongle that was constantly getting bumped. We primarily use the other two ports that are connected to the motherboard with a ribbon. I reseated it several times on both ends but it didn't help. I did notice some black residue (circled in red on the picture) on the motherboard end of the ribbon cable. The other end did not have that. Could that be causing problems? Do you know if you can buy just that cable or would I have to buy that whole board that houses those USB ports?

[JackE]

Can't see your pix yet as it first has to be moderator approved. Nevertheless, I'd remove the ribbons and swab and clean all the contact surfaces with a Q-tip moistened in either 70% or better 90%  isopropyl alcohol, aka rubbing alcohol. The MB contacts too if you can get at them. Dry thoroughly and try again. If that doesn't work, you usually have to resort to ebay to find stuff like that.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Acer-Aspire-7741z-5731-MB-USB-SD-ribbon-cable-new-genuine-/130488046550

Jack E/NJ