Did you try a different USB port?
Also when you loaded up windows 7, did you install all your drivers too?
When did you notice that something was amiss? Did you do something before hand, like download an update or change any settings?
What is the exact message when inserting a USB device?
I HAVE a siilar problem still cant fix it, i have 4 usb ports, says in device manager 3 are usb 1.1 and 1 is 2.o (windows 7 64bit) by the way and i have a hp pavillion dv8301nr, now when ever i connect something to the ports it says device not recognized. i tried 3 dif hard drives and nothing. basically it says that my device has malfiunctioned, device not recognized. for EVERYTHING, so i am living without usb. i tried everything (yes including turning off laptop)