How to: Enable disabled USB in Windows
Note: This assumes you have administrator rights on the Windows PC in question. Valid for all version of Windows I was able to test it on. (XP, 2000, Windows 7)
Note #2: This command edits the Registry. Doing so incorrectly can severely mess up your machine. If you do not feel comfortable editing the Registry, contact your IT department or local Computer Shop.
Some Virus and Malware will disable the USB ports in Windows to keep themselves from getting “cleaned” off the machine. Note that this does not affect the USB Keyboard or Mouse in any way.
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type “regedit,” and then click OK.
3. Locate, and then click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor
4. In the right pane, double-click “Start”.
5. In the Value data box, type “3” without quotes
6. Click Hexadecimal if it is not already selected, and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor
7.) Restart Computer
To re-disable, in step 5 use “4” instead.
If you do not have administrative rights to the computer, contact your IT department, or your local Computer Repair Shop.