Testing a USB Port

You can use an easy loopback test in order to determine if the USB port on your computer is working correctly. You may need to use this test in the instance that a USB drive has stopped working and you can't explain why or if you constructed your own computer and you want to make sure it the port is connected correctly.

Step 1  - Install Loopback Plug Software

First, you will need to install the loopback plug software onto your computer using the USB port that you want to test. To do this, simply plug the USB loopback plug into the port.

Step 2 - Connect Loopback Plug

Connect the loopback plug to the USB port on your computer and the software will begin to download as soon as you do. If it does not download instantly then the loopback plug does not have the "plug and play" feature.

Step 3 - Analyze The Lights

Use the loopback plug manual and compare the colored lights on the loopback plug. The colors indicate whether or not the USB port is receiving power and information.

You can also test your USB port with a "plug and play" mouse. Just plug the mouse into the computer and move the mouse. If the cursor registers on the screen then your USB port is working correctly.