[CDATech]

So I've got an old emachine computer that's worked like a champ for almost 4 years now and it started having some issues yesterday. I was receiving the dreaded "A usb device has malfunctioned" error. PC is running WinXP SP3, full patched and drivers are up to date.

So I dug around for some info and ended up solving that particular error message by actually unplugging the pc after a complete shutdown. I left it unplugged for about 10 minutes and plugged it back in, booted it up and viola....the error message was gone. My USB ports were working...or so it seemed.

The front USB jack was not working. So, I cracked open the case and checked that it was connected correctly and it was. I double checked everything and everything was connected properly. I then realized that there was another USB header on the motherboard so I connected the front panel to that header and it now works again. I can't find any signs of burning or a scratched motherboard trace or anything to that extent. I just figure that somehow that header (being that is the most used usb port in the system) had reached it's life span. I'm sure the little emachines is on it's way out, it's due for an overhaul anyway.

Just wanted to share my experience with you guys.