If any device don't work with those 2 ports but DO work when using some other ports, it usualy mean that the port have some problem.
If the two ports stopped functioning at the same, or about the same, time, it's probable that the controler no longer work properly. Normaly, you have ONE USB controller for TWO ports. The "brother" ports are usualy adjacent.
In this case, the only possible repair is usualy changing the mother board. If the computer is a little old, it may not be possible, and, if possible, may cost almost the same as geting a new computer, especialy for a laptop.
Electro, August 2012
