my PC cant see external memory via USB

My XP Pro PC has suddenly lost the ability to see any storage via USB.

Today I got asked to help my father in law get pictures off his (nokia) phone and email them. No big deal. Connect phone with USB cable... and nothing. Reluctantly I installed the Nokia software, but still nothing. I gave up, transferred the pics via bluetooth to my phone, and connect my phone (Sony, which I know works) and although it starts to charge, I cant access my memory. So thats wierd. I then connected my USB stick.., and nothing. If I let any of them sit long enough it comes up with device not recognised. WHY!? Everything apart from the Nokia has worked before today. I've tried all 6 USB ports, all the same. Why cant it see storage?

I have a USB mouse and it functions fine.

try shuting down and start with it pluged in maybe it will see it as an hard drive
good luck

uhoh! when my USB ports shut down it was the motherboard on the way out🙁