USB ports, can the be repaired?

[Silversky]

My mum isn't the most kindest of people when it comes to the laptop, and has damaged 2 of the 3 USB ports, they do not work at all. They are twisted and damaged. We don't want to get a new computer, I was wundering is you can have them repaired?

Thanks in Advance.

[Ethel]

Very difficult to get repaired, but you buy a hub of four usb ports that plug into a healthy port. They cost very little, but aren't as convenient.

You could get a four port hub for under �10.

Here's an example:http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000 658CH/qid=1149021913/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_ xgl/026-8230256-2510838

[BillyNoMates]

You can also buy a PCMCIA card which will provide you with a couple of USB2.0 ports. An example here ;

http://www.allcam.biz/products/usb_pcmcia.html

but there are many other different products available which will do the same job.

[bimbim]

if you have a Poundland shop near you you can get a four usb hub for , you've guessed it 1 pound . Not sure of the details exactly but i think the more expensive hubs are powered . My cheapie wouldn't work for my printer , had to use laptop port. took me ages & a lot of head-wrecking to work this out !