USB and SD card reader are not detected on my MacBook Pro

This is what I've tried so far:

• 1. Check that the USB device is connected to the appropriate jack. There is a USB jack in the back of most keyboards, but it often only works with a mouse.

• 2. Unplug any USB devices and wait a few moments before reconnecting them. You can often fix problems with your USB keyboard and mouse by using this method. Try restarting yourcomputer if the malfunction persists after you reconnect the USB device.
• 3. Test your USB peripherals in another computer. If the problem exists in the second computer, you may need to have the device serviced or look for an updated version of the firmware that supports your USB item. Check the manufacturer's website for these updates.
• 4. Try different devices in the same USB port. For example, if your mouse if behaving strangely, see whether an external drive or an iPod is able to connect to the computer via that USB port.
• 5. Disconnect any USB hubs that you're using and connect each device one at a time to your computer. You need to troubleshoot the devices individually to find out whether the USB hub or the one of the devices is causing the problem. Be sure to test each peripheral with a working USB cable.
• 6. Reset the SMC
• 7. Reset the parameter random access memory (PRAM) and nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) on your computer. Turn off your computer, then restart it and immediately press and hold the "Command," "Option," "P" and "R" keys on the keyboard. Release the keys after you hear the startup chime for the third time and your computer should boot normally.

I don't believe the controller is "dead" because I can still get some I/O, but no control.

Thanks but no good. I am open to other suggestions. It is noteworthy that when I plug in my external USB device (a camera), I get indications of I/O. The camera recognizes the computer, even though my Mac doesn't seem to recognize it. My bet is that if an SDHC had lights it would also light up when I mounted.

I know, Lex. I am really hoping that the USB controller isn't physically dead.

Two years old