I do not know how to make my dell monitor usb ports active please help me

In order for the usb ports to work you must have 1 usb from the computer connected to the monitor. The monitor may have a specific input port from the pc in order to activate the other ports on the monitor

I have a 24" Dell monitor with built-in USB and SD sockets. Sometimes I have had problems with these not being responsive. This usually comes down to electrical connection.

You should do these in order, also testing for USB port availability at each step .
#1 is the monitor powered up? (USB is active only when monitor is switched on with power button on front of bezel)
#2 check that the USB cable at both ends is plugged in! (you need electrical connectivity)
#3 check that the USB port on the PC can see another device like a memory stick

#4 check your PC's software (drivers must be loaded and the USB port recognized)

Do you need a USB cable from one of the USB ports on your computer to a USB port on the monitor?

Since the USB ports on this monitor are just the powered USB Hub, you should try it with another PC if you know for sure that the USB port of the PC taht is feeding this Powered USB Hub on the monitor are OK, also check the cable.
The USB board replacement for thsi will not be woth it. Also check for 5vdc on PIN1 of the USB port.
http://s807.photobucket.com/albums/yy352/budm/DELL/Dell%201704FPT/

Please check if the monitor's usb port is connected to the tower, the monitor only acts like a USB hub / junction. If it is connected then disconnect it from the existing USB port and connect it to a different USB port. Please refer to the monitor manual link given below

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/monitors/e172fp/QSE172FP.pdf

Thank you for contacting Fixya.

All you need is an USB cable from you PC USB post to the USB input port on the monitor, it is just a USB hub on the monitor, there is no software needed.

Basic LCD monitor troubleshooting guide:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r6150077-basic_lcd_monitors_troubleshooting

Failed TV, Monitors, Caps : http://s807.photobucket.com/home/budm/allalbums

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague
Capacitor kits: http://lcdalternatives.auctivacommerce.com/ he can make you a set of caps for you.
Please post back what you find.

This monitor has 8-port USB hub that the USB input of the monitor must be connected to the PC USB port. There are fuses for the USB port also to protect the 5VDC output at the USB ports.
Document:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/monitors/1704fpt/en/about.htm#Specifications

On the back side of the monitor, next to the power connector, you'll find a USB "B" connector (the boxy, square one) You need a USB A-to-B cable to connect your PC to the monitor, not a male-to-male (A-to-A) cable.

Hook that up, and you should get the boo-deep sound from your PC as it adds the new USB hub that's inside the monitor.

If this helps, please be sure to hit the "thumbs-up" button for me!

I'm assuming you are speaking of the USB ports on the Monitor?

Do you have the USB cable running from the back of your computer to the back of your monitor? For those ports to work, you need a USB cable that runs from the computer to your monitor. This is a cable in addition to the power cable and the video cable. Verify you have three cables connected.

If you are not speaking about the USB ports on the monitor, please advise...

There should be a USB cable from one of the usb ports on your computer to a small square (upstream) USB port on the back of your monitor. This will activate the four (downstream) usb ports on your monitor.
Good luck...and I hope this is helpful!!