Simply UNPLUG YOUR COMPUTER FROM THE POWER SUPPLY.
Note that this does not mean just turning off your
computer because modern computers don't really turn off when you press
the power button as the motherboard still gets power. First to explain, the motherboard is where all of
hardware of the computer is connected to, including the USB ports.
Sometimes the motherboard needs to be "rebooted" also because something
can go wrong, i.e. all your USB ports suddenly stop working. The small
microprocessor on the motherboard will reload the drivers and your USB
ports should be back to recognizing all devices! So first turn off your computer using Shut Down or
pressing the power button and then UNPLUG it from the wall outlet. Let
it sit for about a minute and then plug it back in.
Hope this helps someone fix that pesky "USB device not recognized" Windows error!
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Usually answered in minutes!
This appears to have resolved the issue. I failed to mention that the computer is a Dell XPS 630i, and my web search has revealed that it is fairly notorious for problems. In my particular case, the RealTek Audio HD software had, forwhatever reason, commandered the USB ports, treating them exclusively as audio jacks.
By shutting down and unplugging the machine, it appears that RealTek has given up it's illegally controlled ports. Thanks for the help!
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