Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)

Question

Hi all,

Was playing a game when I kept hearing connect/disconnect noises in the background, so I left the game to check the devices and I see two Unknown USB Devices, one being constant and another disconnecting and reconnecting randomly. I haven't done too much research but I've reinstalled all USB drivers, virus scans (just in case), sfc /scannow, and power cycled my pc but nothing helped. It's not affecting my input USB's (ie mouse + keyboard)

I don't personally think it's a hardware issue however it was pre-built and its physical quality is a not amazing but not bad situation, I mean the thing isn't even a year old yet!

Nothing is off the cards as of yet but this is annoying.

Update: There were two USB issues but now its only the one that is constantly disconnecting and reconnecting and I'm not sure what I did to fix that one. I opened the case and checked the actual USB ports and far as I know its not loose and firmly in place.

Answer 1

Hi,

Sometimes, these ports get shorted, which triggers a disconnecting/connecting sound. Are you using Gamepad Controller? What other USB devices are connected?

Answer 2

Hello,

Below are several troubleshooting steps and explanations you can try if you see the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” error:

1. Make sure the error isn’t coming from an internal connection:

 • Open your system and visually verify that all internal USB headers (and any related cables) are securely connected. Even if it isn’t one of your external input devices, the error might be caused by a loose connection or a device such as a front-panel USB port.

 • Dust or imperfect contacts within the USB ports can trigger intermittent connect/disconnect signals.

2. Uninstall and reinstall the device via Device Manager:

 • Open Device Manager, locate the “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” entry, right-click it, and choose Uninstall.

 • Once removed, reboot or click “Scan for hardware changes” (often found on the Action menu) so Windows attempts to re-detect and re-install the device. Sometimes a fresh enumeration fixes errors.

3. Update or reinstall chipset and USB controller drivers:

 • Even though you mentioned reinstalling USB drivers, double-check if you have the most current chipset drivers for your motherboard/system.

 • Visit your system or motherboard manufacturer’s website to download updated drivers. Often, these drivers include improvements to USB controller communication.

4. Adjust power management and USB selective suspend settings:

 • Sometimes Windows power-management settings can cause ports to power down the device momentarily.

 • Open Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Under “USB settings,” disable “USB selective suspend setting.”

 • In Device Manager, you might also check each USB Root Hub’s properties (under “Power Management” tab) and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

5. Try different ports or remove extenders/hubs:

 • If the unknown device connects via a specific case port, try matching it with a rear panel port directly on the motherboard.

 • Sometimes front panel ports (or ports through a hub or extender) have issues not found on the motherboard’s I/O directly.

6. Check for BIOS/UEFI updates and settings:

 • Updating your BIOS might resolve minor issues with USB enumeration or compatibility.

 • Look for any BIOS settings related to USB configuration (like “Legacy USB support”) and experiment with enabling or disabling them.

7. Consider background or phantom devices:

 • Software utilities like “USBDeview” (by NirSoft) let you see all USB devices that have ever been connected. Sometimes you might find remnants of devices that are no longer physically attached. Uninstalling these entries may help clarify which device is causing the problem.

 • If the unknown device is “ghosting” in Device Manager, you can try running a command prompt as Administrator and executing the command "set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1" (then opening Device Manager and choosing “Show hidden devices” from the View menu). Remove any grayed-out entries if you’re confident they’re not needed.

8. Isolate external devices:

 • Disconnect any nonessential USB devices (including hubs or card readers) and see if the error stops.

 • If the disconnecting/reconnecting device is associated with an accessory, that device itself might be failing—even if it’s not used for mouse/keyboard input.

Since you mentioned the issue isn’t affecting your primary input devices, it might be related to another peripheral or even an onboard controller issue. Pre-built systems can sometimes have quirks with bundled components. If the above steps don’t clear the error and the device continues to do its connect/disconnect dance, you might consider contacting the manufacturer for warranty support.

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