T43p Ethernet/USB/DVD drive not working

[Pesque]

The Ethernet card, USB port, and DVD drive are not working on a T43p. The computer (running XP Professional) does not recognize a flash drive, a CD, or an ethernet connection. The CD drive opens and closes and the ethernet lights turn on when connected. Is there anything internally that could be causing this?

[agarza]

Sounds to me like some kind of virus infecting your machine. Do you get WLAN functionality?

[poshgeordie]

Welcome to the forums!

May I suggest you run PC Doctor to make sure everything's working on the T43p

It can be downloaded as a bootable CD from here

Also have a read about PC Doctor which tells you how to make the .ISO CD and how to use the software.

[SteveS]

All of these devices interface to the CPU through the southbridge chip. In T4x series, the USB data lines pass directly from the connector to this chip, with what turns out to be inadequate (possibly no) ESD protection. Thus a static zap to the USB can damage or destroy portions of this chip.

It is generally difficult to expose the data lines to a static zap. USB connectors have a shroud that contacts the connector body before the data and power contacts. The shroud is grounded, so it usually discharges any ESD in the device before the data contacts mate.

Hopefully your T43p is still under Lenovo warranty. If so, call warranty support.

[poshgeordie]

All of these devices interface to the CPU through the southbridge chip. In T4x series, the USB data lines pass directly from the connector to this chip, with what turns out to be inadequate (possibly no) ESD protection. Thus a static zap to the USB can damage or destroy portions of this chip.

I suspected the southbridge when suggesting you run PC Doc to confirm this.
Hope I'm wrong!