Broken USB port

[cessna7686]

Hey,

I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop. The black plastic tab in one of my USB ports broke exposing the wire prongs which then proceeded to get bent. I was able to straighten out the prongs, but the port is no longer working. Originally it gave me a power surge message, now it just doesn't respond. What would it entail to replace a USB port on my computer? If it's pretty complicated, do you guys have any other suggestions as to how to fix this problem?

Thanks

[Cap'n Refsmmat]

I'd send it back to Dell for a warranty fix.

 

I'd recommend you don't fiddle with it any more. The plastic may have served as an insulator or something, and you could end up frying the port.