USB ports are dead on my MACBOOK? Woah, can you help?

[Haruhi]

Both USB ports on my 2007 macbook are dead. They only work if I plug my iPod in.
Other than this I have to turn the computer off and THEN plug stuff in and THEN turn it on again for it to even recognize stuff.
USB devices often just keep saying connecting to computer or say theres an unknown error when connecting. (they sort of recognize they're plugged in but don't work)

Has been going on for 2 years- and I am getting fed up! Please help

 

[Eidorian]

Are you still under warranty?

I'd try resetting the PRAM and SMC first.

 

[Haruhi]

Care to tell me what PRAM and SMC are? (sorry)
My warranty ran out a while ago I believe.

 

[Hellhammer]

Care to tell me what PRAM and SMC are? (sorry)
My warranty ran out a while ago I believe.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

 

[Eidorian]

First hits on Google or you can always look at Apple's support knowledge base.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

 

[Haruhi]

Wil this do anything to the madc itself? no files deleted?

 

[Hellhammer]

Wil this do anything to the madc itself? no files deleted?

Everything will remain the same, it just resets few things that may have caused your issue

 

[Eidorian]

Wil this do anything to the madc itself? no files deleted?

It will clear certain volatile RAM on your Mac. Always have a backup regardless.

 

[Haruhi]

here goes. then. i hope its safe!

 

[Rodimus Prime]

Something I have seen like this has happen on a windows computer that I was trouble shooting and it turned out the drivers for the USB ports got corrupted The solution there was to deleted respective drivers and reinstall them.

That would be my solution is find the USB drivers, deleted them then reinstall them.

 

[Haruhi]

^ Sorry but I dont know hpow to do that?

 

[Haruhi]

Resetted the pram and all is well again! Can now use my USB ports pdopey for 1st time in 2 yrs.
Thanks guys