Top 10 Reasons Your GL850G USB Controller is Not Working and How to Fix Them
The GL850G USB controller is a popular chipset used to manage USB ports on various devices, but like any piece of hardware, it can sometimes experience issues that prevent it from working properly. If you're facing problems with your GL850G USB controller, don't worry! Below are the top 10 reasons it might not be working and step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
1. Driver Issues
Cause: The most common reason for USB controller malfunctions is outdated or corrupted drivers. If the GL850G driver is missing, outdated, or improperly installed, the device may not function correctly.
Solution:
Go to "Device Manager" on your computer. Find "Universal Serial Bus controllers" and locate the GL850G device. Right-click and select "Update Driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" to let Windows find and install the latest driver.2. Power Supply Problems
Cause: Insufficient power supply to the USB controller can cause it to fail. The GL850G requires a stable power connection to function.
Solution:
Check your device's power supply and ensure the USB controller is receiving enough power. If using a USB hub, ensure the hub is powered and can provide enough energy to all connected devices. Try connecting your device directly to the computer’s USB port instead of through a hub.3. Faulty USB Port
Cause: A faulty or damaged USB port could be the reason the GL850G USB controller isn't functioning. A bent pin or dust in the port could be interfering with the connection.
Solution:
Inspect the USB port for visible damage, dirt, or dust. If possible, clean the port gently using compressed air. Try connecting to a different USB port to rule out a faulty one.4. Incompatible USB Device
Cause: Sometimes, the USB device you're connecting may not be compatible with the GL850G controller, especially if the device requires a higher USB specification (e.g., USB 3.0 or 3.1).
Solution:
Check the specifications of the USB device and ensure it’s compatible with the GL850G controller. If your device is USB 3.0 or higher, try connecting it to a USB 3.0 port if available, or use a compatible USB controller.5. Operating System Conflicts
Cause: Sometimes, your operating system (OS) may have a conflict with the USB controller, preventing it from being recognized or functioning properly.
Solution:
Ensure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest updates installed. If you recently upgraded or updated your OS, try rolling back to a previous version of the USB drivers or perform a system restore.6. Hardware Malfunction
Cause: There may be a physical malfunction in the GL850G chip or the motherboard that causes the USB controller to stop working.
Solution:
If you suspect hardware failure, try using a different GL850G controller or test the current one in a different computer to check if the issue persists. If under warranty, contact the manufacturer for a replacement.7. USB Overload
Cause: Overloading the USB controller with too many connected devices can overwhelm it and cause instability, leading to non-functionality.
Solution:
Disconnect any unnecessary devices from the USB controller and leave only the essentials connected. If using a USB hub, make sure it's powered and doesn't have too many devices connected at once.8. BIOS/UEFI Settings
Cause: Incorrect BIOS or UEFI settings can disable the USB ports or conflict with USB controllers, including the GL850G.
Solution:
Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Delete during startup). Look for settings related to USB configuration and ensure USB ports are enabled. Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.9. USB Controller Disabled in Device Manager
Cause: Sometimes, the GL850G USB controller could be accidentally disabled in the Device Manager.
Solution:
Open "Device Manager." Find the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" section and locate the GL850G controller. If there is a small arrow pointing down on the icon, right-click and select "Enable."10. Outdated Firmware
Cause: If the firmware on your GL850G controller is outdated, it might not function correctly, especially with newer devices or operating systems.
Solution:
Visit the manufacturer’s website or the motherboard manufacturer's website. Check for the latest firmware updates for your GL850G USB controller and follow their instructions to update it.Conclusion
By following these 10 steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix common issues with your GL850G USB controller. Start by troubleshooting the most likely causes—driver problems, power issues, or a faulty USB port—and move to more complex solutions like BIOS settings or hardware replacement if needed. With a little patience and systematic troubleshooting, you can get your GL850G USB controller up and running again.