Strange USB problem

Recently (two days ago) I put together a machine for a company I work for. The machine is amazing and preforms great, however there is a very annoying and mystifying problem.

With the computer came a logitech K120 keyboard and M100 optical mouse both USB of course. I plugged both of these in and started up the system to install win7. POST reported that no keyboard was detected even though it was clearly plugged in. I checked its connection and the mouse connection, both were fine. I noticed that the leds on the keyboard and the optics in the mouse are VERY dim like they are underpowered. Both devices work in other machines and other USB mice and keyboards do the same thing in this machine but all work on other machines.

Now the part that is stumping me:

All other USB devices work in these ports! A seagate external HDD, a pendrive, and a USB camera.

The front part of the case has the USB port that plugs into the MOBO via cable.

These front USB ports sometimes shock you if you touch them, also sometimes bringing a usb device close to the port/touching the port instantly shuts off the machine. No other devices do this except the camera cable at times. The harddrive and pen drive don't do this.

The instant shut off from contact only occurs after the system has been without power for a while and is plugged back in. This occurs in windows and as soon the system is turned on (instant shutdown from contact, when it chooses to happen).

ALL USB ports in the back of the pc (on boards) work fine and don't "short" the system, even the keyboard and mouse can be plugged into these but win7 instantly says :" A USB device has malfunctioned, windows doesn't recognize this device." It will try to install the drivers but it fails to do.

What has been tried:
Flashing the BIOS (several times) with jumper removal and through BIOS.

Completely unplugging everything from the system including power, bios battery, bios jumper, and letting it sit for 20+ minutes.

BIOS is 100% up to date, all drivers and WIN7 is upto date.

All power voltages are fine and within thresholds.

Devices work in other machines and other USB devices work in the same problematic ports.

Unplugged the USB "case expansion" port from the MOBO and all the components : power button, reset button, leds, internal speaker, etc.

I have called ASUS and tried everything they have recommended (flash bios and put everything into default).

The system is running win 7, has been bench marked, and is a network file server (what the client wanted).

The system:
Mother board: ASUS model M4A87TD EVO
PSU : Corsair TX 650W
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 450
RAM: 8GB DDR3
CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 @ 3.4 Ghz
HDDs: 1 x 500 GB SATA at 6 GB/s 1x 1 TB SATA @ 6GB/s
Case: Coolermaster HAF 922

I am very frustrated with this issue and note this usb issue happens prior to windows being installed and can short before POST.

Thanks

 

im inclined to say it's some kind of short either in the front ports, the wires, or the connection to the mobo ( i know you already know that)
short of trying some other usb ports on the same mobo connection, maybe you have some lying around (like the ones that would go into an empty slot in the rear)
http://tech.icrontic.com/draco/images/articles/abit_ic7max3_motherboard_review/usb1394pci.jpg
i'm not sure what else there is to do.

silly silly question, but not as uncommon as you think. are the standoffs for the motherboard screws in the proper spots?

 

Have you tried a different KB/Mouse (even "borrowing" one from another PC in the office)? If another brand/model works on this PC and the Logitech works on the other PC, the easiest solution is to keep them swapped.

Some BIOS setups require you to "enable USB keyboard support". Go into the BIOS setup and look around - if USB KB support is disabled this might be the problem.

Is it static electricity? Touch the outside of the case first to discharge any static electricity then touch the USB outlet. If you still get a shock you likely have a short in the case wiring running from the mobo's USB connector to the front USB outlets (I suspect this since the back USB ports on the mobo don't have this problem). If so, stop using these ports immediately or you risk damaging/destroying anything plugged into them.

Based on a front USB wiring short, you have two options:

• Take the system apart and RMA the case, or
• Place safety plugs or tape over the front USB ports and attach a USB hub to the top of the PC connecting it to one of the back USB ports. A hub with a power adapter is usually best; it will handle higher draw devices without issues.

 

Hi

One note to add to the already helpful advice is, usually you cannot access the BIOS with a keyboard that is plugged into a USB hub. It usually has to be connected to a USB port that's directly coming from the motherboard.

I agree that it's likely a short in the wiring. Either those front USB ports aren't grounded, or wires are crossed or something. If you have an electrically inclined friend, they could have a look, but I agree that RMAing the case would be your best bet in getting this issue resolved.

 

Agreed. It's best to do a direct connect to either the USB or PS/2 ports. If you need to extend the cords (or move a wireless KB/Mouse receiver closer), use USB extention cables running directly to a USB port on the back (directly on the motherboard). Don't get ripped off on these cables: 6-foot ones are about 3 bucks each at Fry's or on eBay.

This is why I always keep a standard PS/2 KB and Mouse as a backup on my tech bench. If a mobo has PS/2 (the round green and purple) ports on the back, booting with a PS/2 KB and mouse is usually goof-proof. Once you solve any issues (such as enabling USB KB and mouse support in the BIOS, if applicable), shut down and reconnect the USB KB/Mouse.

Stay away from the adapter plugs that convert a USB KB or Mouse to a PS/2 port. I've found these don't always work; a KB and mouse with a native PS/2 connection is the way to go.

 

Thanks for all the informative replies, I think I have solved the shorting issue by removing the entire mobo from the case, I accidentally installed two raised standoffs and not regular flat ones, don't know if this was really the issue but could have been.

As far as the key board and mouse issue:
NO USB keyboard or mouse work in the front or back USB ports, all other usb devices work in both front and back.

Kb/mouse don't work in a USB generic hub in any front or back USB port.

Windows still says:
"A usb device has malfunctioned and windows doesn't recognize the device."

The mouse tries to install its drivers and eventually fails, but the k/b instantly goes through to drivers failed to install error.

At the moment:
Since the short appears to be fixed (three days now), we are just using the PS/2 mouse and k/b and all other usb devices.

Just sucks that we can't seem to solve the issue.

 

Perhaps try updating the chipset drivers too ...

 

If all else fails (and you either have one or can buy one at a store with a decent return policy if this doesn't work), try a PCI slot card USB adapter. This should install a unique USB driver for the expansion card USB ports only.

If this works, there is a possibility something on the mobo is FUBAR when it comes to the on-board USB ports. The USB slot card (if it works) will provide a fix and allow you to get on with your life.

 

I'm interested to know the answer to gman's question - is this static electricity or an actual circuit that's completed when you put your finger on it (short circuit)? Static will be brief and sharp, but a short will be duller and last more than an instant (assuming you don't understandably move your finger away and go 'ow'!).

If the standoffs were the cause then I'd be worried these were metal standoffs and were two wide for where they were screwed in. If they were then touching part of the motherboard then that would indeed account for the short.

With most desktops you'll have some USBs sitting on the mobo, and pins to connect others to via a short cable. If you connected these yourself, have you double checked they're on the correct pins?

 

All drivers/BIOS are up to date, generic USB hub doesn't work, will try USB PCI, and legacy is enabled.

The short is completely gone so we have fixed that