USB ports not recognized by computer

Need help with USB ports: my computer crashed a month or so ago and finally got it running again by reloading XP Home and other software. Luckily the harddrive wasn't wiped out when I reloaded XP Home.
However, the USB ports are not recognized by the computer. I have a separate slot with 2 USB ports, that look like cables inside the compter, not ports attached to a board. Additionally another set of 2 USB ports (tiny box inside computer) that has the wireless router connected to it.
When I check the Device Manager - there are no USB ports listed whatsoever!
The router works, but can't get any other plugnplay devices to work - ie printer, scanner or camera. I've reloaded and loaded drivers numerous times for the printer, printer is listed, but nothing prints since no USB port recognized, nor do I get "new hardware" message.
Anyone have an idea?
Thanks in Advance!!

Hi, and welcome to DAL

have you opened the computer up? did you check that the leads comeing out of the ports were connected properly to the motherboard?

also, you may want to try a repair install if you havnt already done so:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XP...install.htm#RI

Hope this helps,
Mike

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Thanks Mike,
I've checked the leads inside the computer and all appear to be firmly connected.
i will try the link you suggested.
Also i found the 2004 question about checking the bios.I'll let you know.

thanks again

ok, thanks for the update

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Mike, got it working,
went into the BIOS and startup menu, there it was, the USBs were disabled - must've happened when it crashed.

thanks again

thanks for letting us know glad you sorted it

i dont know why i didnt think of that, ive done it before in the past!!!! lol

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