iPhone 4S charging only when turned off - not recognized by PC

[aaronkatrini]

Hi all,
I've found an iPhone 4s 16gb black, tried to return it to the authorities and was told that since its wasnt reclaimed by the owner i had to keep it. Same answer from the Apple Store.
Since I'm keeping it id like to fix and use it.
The problem is that the phone isn't recognized by the PC (windows 7), I've tried many cables (even genuine apple ones), tried uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes again but nothing. I've been trying several PC of my friends and still nothing.
Another thing is that the phone doesn't charge unless turned off and connected to the PC.
I don't know the origin of the phone , wether was jailbroken or not. Some friend told me the phone was before jailbroken and when got restored it came in this condition.
Any ideas or thoughts are highly apprisciated,
Many thanks!

 

[Applejuiced]

Sounds like it has water damage.
You can sell it for parts as is or bring it to apple and pay he replacement fee.

 

[charlituna]

Sounds like it has water damage.

That would be my guess as well. with the 30 pin it's possible to blow only a few pins and perhaps the USB data ones are dead but not the charging ones since they seem to be working (the only when off could be because the PC port isn't powered high enough to run the screen and charge at the same time -- known issue)

 

[Applejuiced]

Your guess is as good as anyone's.
you won't know for sure unless you bring it to an iPhone repair place to have them check it out.