Hi,
     I have a Gateway GT4010 PC Media Center Edition with Windows XP.  None of the USB Ports work - in the front or back.  I found a couple other posts regarding this, but the answer usually starts with going to device manager to reset default USB settings.  I don't know what this means or how to even get to this device manager!  Help?
     The computer is about 2 years old and the problem has been going on for about 3 months.I finally found the device manager and uninstalled my usb ports.  I rebooted and let windows revert to all original usb drivers.  It didn't work.  I didn't really expect it to since I haven't messed with the ports to begin with.  But I thought it was worth a shot....  Now what!? You've used USB in the past on that computer?

Have you accessed your BIOS settings to see whether USB function is enabled there?Yes, I have used the ports in the past for both my HP printer and plug and PLAY Finepix S700 camera.  I have had no problems with either printer or camera since for 2 years until about 3 months ago.  Then both abruptly stopped working, and the ports themselves do not recognize anything I plug into them. 

I had attempted using a Logitech cordless mouse and keyboard set around the time the USBs stopped functioning. These were not plugged into the USBs, but instead the round end plugs, green and purple in the back.  I reverted back to the old corded ones (using same plugs) to no avail.  The help support for my camera told me the Logitech would have had no efffect on the USBs.  Was he incorrect?

And I am sorry for being completely computer illiterate, but what are my BIOS settings and how do I get to them?Ok - I have been poking around.  I looked up computer BIOS and found a site with examples.  I have PHOENIX - AWARD BIOS.  I got in and looked around, but could not find or figure out where I should be to check or change the status of the USBs.......  I'm sorry - I am trying to get as far as I can myself without annoying you folks who probably know all this backwards!  But I am still stumped.I don't think merely connecting a Logitech, or any brand, USB mouse and keyboard would cause USB problems.  However, I would not rule out the possibility that having numerous USB devices (printer, camera, mouse, keyboard, etc.) connected at one time might have caused more load on your system's USB capacity than it was capable of withstanding, and thus caused a general failure of your USB function, i.e. a hardware failure.

Back to my suggestion about checking your BIOS settings -  Here's a reference that might help give you some understanding of a computer BIOS: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bios.htm.  To access the BIOS, see Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS.  During startup of your computer, you need to hit a certain KEY to access the BIOS screen.  Visit the link for the key that applies to your model computer.  It will be Del or F1 or F2, etc.  The key may also be displayed on your screen right after startup.  Does your system display some text on a black screen when you first start it?  If so, look carefully for a line that says something like, Hit DEL for Setup. 

Edit: OK, you found out how to access your BIOS. It is F2.  I got in to Bios and looked around, but could not find or figure out where I should be to check or change the status of the USBs.

I have a mouse and keyboard.  I turn on the printer occasionally when I need to use it, and the same with the camera.  Is this an unusually large amount of devices?  I have the Media Center Edition computer and the sales guy said I had all the supersonic capacity and capabilities.  Obvioulsly I don't know anything about computers - was I suckered?  I didn't think I had the system taxed, but perhaps you are right and that is the issue.

I am going back in to BIOS now to poke around again......  I just wish there was something in there labeled USB.....

And thank you by the way, for taking your time in trying to help me.If the problem is due to a hardware failure, a solution is to install a USB controller card in a PCI slot.  Here's an example of what I'm talking about:  SYBA PCI USB 2.0 4+1 port controller card Model SD-V2-5U - Retail.  This would add 4 USB ports at the back of your computer.  Thank you.  I am hopelessly lost inside BIOS...   LOL!!  I ordered the RECOMMENDED piece you suggested and will have my boyfriend install it as soon as it arrives.  Cross your fingers for me - and thank you again.carebear32c,While it seems you may have already opted for the replace some hardware approach i am not convinced that this is necessarily required (yet).Given that you do now know how to get into your BIOS setup i shan't go into that.Now once your initial BIOS page comes up-1.click on "advanced' 2. observe your "on board USB 2.0 controller" line and tell us whether it says "enabled" or "disabled" beside the line. If it says "disabled click on the word "disabled " which will change it to "enabled". Click on "Esc" on your keyboard (extreme upper left key) click on ESC again when the next window comes up. You will be asked if you want to quit and save your changes. Using your arrow left/right keys on your keyboard select "yes" and then hit the "enter" key on your keyboard. Then i would suggest restarting your computer and try something in a USB port and report back to us with your results.If your lucky (both with your choice of boyfriend and store of part purchase) he will be able to return the product for a full refund. goodluck,truenorthLOL!  Thanks so much for your replies.  I have absolutely ZERO patience, so the second I heard about this insert with new USB ports I had the BF go get me one!!  It was installed and working well by the time I read this.  The printer and camera work great and it is so nice to be able to download pics for clients and our website.  ( I am a pettsitter)

Truenorth - I will follow your advice on the BIOS after I am done working here and am ready to reboot.  It certainly wouldn't hurt to have the ports on the front of the computer working as well.

Really - a very heartfelt thanks for all your help in resolving this.  You saved me shelling out some big bucks for a repair guy.  I love this site.carebear32c,I realized after i posted my comments that i was dealing with a person that had only recently(for the 1st time) discovered how to enter BIOS setup and i did not go back to correct some erroneous guidance i had given. my 1st instinct was to say"oh well she is sharp"she'll figure it out.That may well be the case but i shall correct something anyway.Once you are in the BIOS i stated "click" on things--that wont work to NAVIGATE between items or or values in the BIOS (simply because you don't have access to a cursor via the mouse). You must use your up/down;left/right arrow  keys on the keyboard.However once you are displaying a value that you want to change as in the case of "disabled" to BECOME "enabled" then once it has been highlighted by using the arrows to get to it then click on "enter" and the value will change.Wouldn't want to you to try this and find out what i had said about "clicking" was not helping.If you run into trouble post back we shall arrive with bailing cans . truenorth