The Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard is so common that just about everyone can identify some of the more basic connectors involved with USB 1.1, especially the plugs seen on flash drives and keyboards, as well as the receptacles seen on computers and tablets.
However, as USB became even more popular with other devices like smartphones, and USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 were developed, other connectors became more common, confusing the USB landscape.
USB Connector Compatibility Chart
Now that USB 3.0 is found on (almost) every new Mac, the Macworld Lab decided to put its real-world speed to the test, especially compared with FireWire 800 and Thunderbolt.
Use the USB physical compatibility chart below to see which USB plug (male connector) is compatible with which USB receptacle (female connector). Some connectors changed from USB version to USB version, so be sure to use the correct one at either end.
For example, using the chart below, you can see that USB 3.0 Type B plugs fit only in USB 3.0 Type B receptacles.
You can also see that USB 2.0 Micro-A plugs fit in both USB 3.0 Micro-AB and USB 2.0 Micro-AB receptacles.
The below USB compatibility chart was designed with physical compatibility in mind only. In most cases this also means that devices will communicate properly, albeit at the lowest common speed, but it's no guarantee. The biggest issue you'll probably find is that some USB 3.0 devices may not communicate at all when used on a computer or other host device that supports only USB 1.1.
BLUE means that the plug type from a certain USB version is compatible with the receptacle type from a certain USB version, RED means that they are not compatible, and GRAY means that the plug or receptacle does not exist in that USB version.
If Windows is up to date, check the Dell website for a BIOS update for the PC: http://support.dell.com
1. Enter the Service Tag for your PC.
2. On the Product Support page, click 'Drivers & downloads.'
3. Download the latest update for the system BIOS.
4. Disconnect any external devices from your PC except for the power adapter.
5. Be sure the PC has at least 50% battery charge and is also charging with a power adapter.
6. Run the system BIOS file that you downloaded from Dell.
If a USB 2.0 flash drive still does not work: if you have access to another computer with USB 3.0 ports, try connecting the USB 2.0 flash drive to the other computer. If the USB 2.0 flash drive works with the other computer's USB 3.0 ports, you may need to contact the repair center that replaced your motherboard.