Verified answer

If its not recognizing multiple USB devices, it could be either a problem with the USB driver or with the hardware. A reinstallation of the USB drivers usually helps. You can have a look at this HP knowledgebase article bph05956 for this issue:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/fastFaqLiteDocu...

Try the steps and if its not resolved, then you will need to take it to an Authorized Service Provider or repair it in warranty

Its been disabled by someone or maybe a virus. Open your BIOS/CMOS setting on bootup. Press the apprrate key. (it should tell you the key needed to start setup) Go in to Hardware/features ( BE CARFULL, these setting could crash your comp so be carfull to not change anything) In hardware/features you should see :

USB ROOT HUB : DISABLED

Enable it by highliting it and pressing the apprrate key (usually +/-) Then save settings ( F10) and reboot. Check it now.

If it still doesn't read it. GO to the trouble shooter in Windows Xp. Start, Help and support. Click on fixing a problem and click on USB.

This should tell lyou the exact problem.

Good Luck

PS: I had this problem a week ago, seems like my cousin changed the BIOS/CMOS settings.

check device manager to see if the ports are disabled

If they are not then the ports may have gone down.

You can check your USB devices in another machine because a faulty one can bring the port down. if they work then it is the board

Thats odd dude, just take it to a shop XP

i think u shud open BIOS/CMOS on bootup and c if its disabled or not .... but be careful