PC (XP) isn't reading any of my USB ports

I restarted my computer and on the XP start up screen the keyboard and mouse lit up for a few seconds and then just stopped working (both mouse and keyboard require USB ports). I hooked up my other keyboard which connects to that purple jack in the back and that is working fine. The USB ports are not reading anything new either.

 

It sounds to me like the USB controller has burnt out. It happens. You can install a PCI controller card with up to 6 USB ports on it. 4 ports is more common, but I've seen 'em with 6. A regular 4 port USB PCI card shouldn't be more than $25 at your local PC shop. If you want all the on board ports to work, chances are you need to replace the motherboard. You can check the BIOS to see if maybe the USB was somehow mysteriously disabled, but that's unlikely.

 

You might also want to check your device manager and see if reinstalling the USB controller helps.