Why Is My USB Hub Not Working?

If you’ve plugged in your USB hub only to find that none (or only some) of your devices are working, you’re not alone. USB hubs are really helpful — they give you more ports for your keyboard, mouse, external drive, phone, or camera. But sometimes things go wrong, and diagnosing the problem isn’t always obvious.

In this guide, we'll walk you through why your USB hub might not be working, how to figure out what's wrong, and what to do to fix it. We’ll also mention some Maplin-available hubs so you can choose a reliable replacement if needed.

A USB hub is a device that expands one USB port on your computer into several ports. This is great when your laptop or desktop doesn’t have enough ports for all your peripherals.

There are two major types of USB hubs:

• Bus-powered (unpowered) hubs: These draw all their power from your computer’s USB port.

• Self-powered (powered) hubs: These have their own power supply (adapter), so they can provide more power to connected devices.

For example, Maplin sells a number of useful hubs like the Nikkai USB‑C Multiport Hub, which gives you extra USB-A ports and can support high-power peripherals when used correctly.

Here are some of the most frequent reasons a USB hub might stop working — and some clues to look out for:

1. Insufficient Power Supply

   • If you’re using a powered hub, the power adapter may be faulty or not plugged in properly.

   • With unpowered hubs, the computer’s USB port might not supply enough current for all connected devices.

2. Faulty or Loose Cables

   • Damaged USB cables can impair both power and data transfer.

   • Loose connections — hub to computer, or hub to peripheral — can cause intermittent or zero response.

3. Driver or Software Issues

   • Outdated or corrupted drivers for your USB hub or for your USB controllers can stop the hub from being recognised. 

   • Power management settings in Windows may be turning off your USB hub to “save energy.” 

   • Fast startup or BIOS settings could interfere with how your ports initialise. 

4. Device Compatibility

   • Not every USB device works perfectly with every hub. Older or power-hungry devices might not run correctly when routed through a hub. 

   • USB standard mismatches: connecting a USB 3.0 device into a hub that only supports USB 2.0 can cause failure or poor performance. 

5. Hardware Faults

   • The hub itself could be defective — worn-out ports, damaged internal circuits, or manufacturing faults. 

   • Dust, debris, or physical damage in the hub or your computer’s USB port might be blocking a proper connection. 

   • Overheating: some hubs overheat if too many power-hungry devices are attached.

Before you buy a new hub, there are systematic steps you can take to figure out the root cause.

1. Check the Power

   • If you have a powered hub, make sure the power adapter is plugged in properly and that the power LED (if there is one) is lit.

   • Try a different wall socket or a different power adapter if possible.

   • For unpowered hubs, unplug a few devices and see if the remaining ones start to work — this helps check if you’re exceeding the available power. 

2. Test the Cables and Connections

   • Inspect the USB cable between your computer and the hub. Replace it if it looks worn or damaged.

   • Re-seat all connections (hub to computer, hub to devices) — sometimes just unplugging and plugging back in solves the issue. 

3. Try a Different Host Device

   • Plug your hub into another computer if you can. If it works there, the issue may be with the original machine rather than the hub. 

   • Alternatively, try connecting a known-working USB device (e.g., a flash drive) to each port on the hub to see if the hub is recognising anything.

4. Update Drivers and Software

   • On Windows, open Device Manager, find your USB hub or “Generic USB Hub / USB Root Hub”, and update or reinstall its drivers.

   • Update your operating system to make sure any USB-related patches are applied. 

   • Disable USB power-saving: In Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers → Properties → Power Management, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

5. Power Cycle the Hub

   • Disconnect the hub from your computer and from its power source (if it has one). Let it sit for 30–60 seconds.

   • Reconnect power first (if applicable), then plug into your computer, and finally reconnect all your devices.

6. Check BIOS / Firmware / Power Settings

   • Some BIOS settings can disable USB ports. Consider resetting BIOS to default or ensuring “External USB Port” options are enabled. 

   • Disable “fast startup” in Windows if your hub doesn’t initialise properly on boot. 

7. Inspect for Physical Damage or Debris

   • Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean USB ports on both the hub and your computer. Dust or lint can block connections.

   • Look for bent or broken pins, or visibly damaged connectors.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a hub just won’t behave. You may need a new one. Here are signs it's time to replace:

• Multiple ports on the hub have stopped working reliably.

• The hub still draws power (power LED is on), but devices aren’t recognised.

• You’ve tested on another computer and the problem persists — the hub itself is likely faulty.

• The hub overheats, or you frequently lose devices when multiple are plugged in.

If you need a reliable, well-supported option, you could consider the Maplin USB-C / USB-A Multiport Hub to 4x USB-A 2.0 / 2x USB-C / 1x USB-A 3.0 for a variety of port options, or the Nikkai USB-C Multiport Hub to 4x USB-A 3.1 Super Speed for something more simple.

Here are some best practices to get the most from your USB hub and avoid issues down the line:

• Use a powered hub if you connect power-hungry devices (e.g., external HDDs, scanners).

• Choose good-quality cables — avoid super-cheap ones that might struggle with power transfer.

• Don’t overload the hub: plan how many high-draw devices you’ll connect.

• Power cycle regularly if you heavily use the hub.

• Keep firmware, BIOS, and drivers up to date.

• Store the hub in a clean place; avoid dust and moisture.

• Consider buying a replacement hub from a trusted brand if you’re using it for critical or permanent setups.

USB hubs are incredibly useful, but they rely on a few moving parts: power, quality cables, compatible devices, and software. When things go wrong, you don’t always need to throw the hub in the bin. Often, a bit of troubleshooting can get everything back in working order: check the power, reset the hub, inspect cables, and make sure your software is correct.

But if your hub is really failing, replacing it with a well-built model from Maplin gives you a fresh start with better reliability.

By understanding the common causes and using these tips, you can keep your USB setup running smoothly. No more mystery disconnects or devices that refuse to show up!