Windows 10 Toshiba Laptop usb port problem

Dustybee

Something weird going on with the usb ports (and sd card reader port) on windows 10 laptop. When any usb storage device is plugged in it reports 'You need to format the disk in E:\'.  

I've tested the usb stick on another laptop and it's fine and the data is all readable. Even when I agree to format it tries to, then reports 'unable to format'. This happens to any usb stick or sd card regardless of which of the three usb ports, or card reader port I try.

When I connect an external hard drive, it reads it okay.  When I connect a mobile phone cable it charges the phone and allowed me to access the phone's photos etc as if it was a storage device.

I've tried all the apparent fixes that googling the issue brought up. Uninstalling the usb hub controller in device manager and allowing it to find new hardware and update the drivers.  Changed all the power/battery settings in device manager so it's nothing to do with that.  Device Manager has no errors.  Windows 10 is up to date, nothing waiting to be installed.

Any ideas what is going on?

OnlyTheBestWillDo

Does it do the same using a Live CD; such as: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_live_CDs ?

Dustybee

OnlyTheBestWillDo said:

Does it do the same using a Live CD; 

I don't have one to try.

Jenni_D

See if you can download and create one (on a USB stick) via another computer? (If you have access to one of course - which you seemingly do have if you've tested your USB sticks).

Dustybee

Jenni_D said:

See if you can download and create one (on a USB stick) via another computer? (If you have access to one of course - which you seemingly do have if you've tested your USB sticks).

Okay, I'll give it a try.  What is the purpose of trying this?  Is it just to see if the laptop will boot from the usb drive?

Jenni_D

I think it's to determine whether it is the "type" of USB stick that your USB ports have a problem with (since they work with a USB HDD), but I'll defer the details to @OnlyTheBestWillDo  

cx6

You may have to do a complete re-install of the operating system to diagnose the problem (ie is it hardware or software related) - but obviously try everything else first.

Something, somewhere, has gotten into a mess on your laptop. Obviously, if it's hardware related, then re-installing won't fix it but then at least you'd know.

You could also install a quick second copy of W10 (dual boot) to check if it's s/w related without touching your original partition.

Jenni_D

Would there be any benefit in uninstalling the USB Hub (or howsoever it is described*) in Device Manager (perhaps also opting to uninstall the driver), and then doing a scan and letting Windows reinstall the USB Hub?

* On my work laptop there are several items marked as being "hubs" so I don't know how the correct one would be determined.

Dustybee

Jenni_D said:

Would there be any benefit in uninstalling the USB Hub (or howsoever it is described*) in Device Manager (perhaps also opting to uninstall the driver), and then doing a scan and letting Windows reinstall the USB Hub?

* On my work laptop there are several items marked as being "hubs" so I don't know how the correct one would be determined.

Yes I have already tried that but it didn't make any difference. I deleted all of the usb hub controllers, then let windows find new hardware.  All the drivers came up the same as before.

victor2

Have you tried powering down the laptop, unplugging the power supply and removing the battery for a minute or so?

I've had a few desktops do odd things with USB ports and completely disconnecting the power sorted them out. Costs nothing to try.

Belenus

Dustybee said:

Something weird going on with the usb ports (and sd card reader port) on windows 10 laptop. When any usb storage device is plugged in it reports 'You need to format the disk in E:\'.  

I've tested the usb stick on another laptop and it's fine and the data is all readable. Even when I agree to format it tries to, then reports 'unable to format'. This happens to any usb stick or sd card regardless of which of the three usb ports, or card reader port I try.

When I connect an external hard drive, it reads it okay.  When I connect a mobile phone cable it charges the phone and allowed me to access the phone's photos etc as if it was a storage device.

'any usb storage device'  I presume that you mean 'any USB stick' as you also mention connecting an external hard drive.

How are these USB sticks formatted?

NTFS is usual for internal and external hard disks on Windows and FAT32 is normal for USB sticks. (Unless I am out of date).

It is a long shot but perhaps your USB sticks have a non standard format that your Windows10 can't recognise or read. That is unlikely as they work in another laptop but maybe worth looking.

Can you check that in File Explorer - This PC - right click for Manage and select Storage - disk management.