My computer keeps rapidly detecting and disconnecting what look like USB storage devices, even when nothing is plugged into the USB ports. It doesn't happen constantly—it comes and goes—but when it starts, the connect/disconnect cycle repeats very quickly. I unplugged all external devices, including the mouse, keyboard, and headphones, and the problem continued. The case has a front-panel USB module that adds two USB ports and a headphone jack, but nothing is connected to it. What could be causing this?
2 Answers
If disconnecting the front-panel module doesn’t fix it, the next possibilities are a damaged motherboard USB header, a USB controller problem, or a driver issue. Try a different motherboard header if one is available, inspect the connectors for bent pins or debris, and then reinstall or update the chipset and USB drivers.
Since the behavior continues with every external USB device disconnected, the front-panel USB module or its internal cable is a strong suspect. Shut the computer down, disconnect that module’s USB header from the motherboard, and boot it again. If the phantom drive notifications stop, the module, cable, or connector may be faulty or shorting.
I already unplugged the mouse, keyboard, and headphones, but I hadn’t disconnected the front-panel module itself. I’ll test that next.