iPad mini not charging when connected to my PC laptop.

the usb port in the laptop does not have enough juice to charge the pad. It actually is charging, just very very slowly. if you leave it there overnight you will see that it has charged. to charge it quickly and fully, use the supplied wall charger.

See > iPad: Charging the battery

This message appears when you connect your device to a port that doesn't provide enough power to charge your device. You need to connect it to a high-power USB port, and with it, the charge will be slow. I recommend to charge it with the power adapter always you can because it's much faster

Frequently, PCs do not provide enough power through USB ports to power attached devices. This may be one of those cases.

Most laptop USB ports do not provide enough power to charge iPads. even the minis. It may still charge, just very very slowly, but the Not Charging legend will still appear.

Unlike the iPhone which may charge thorugh the USB port, the iPad mini requires at least the complete 5w from the wall charger, which most USB ports cannot provide.

You can buy a USB extension cord from Apple and I suppose from many other sources. Use it with the charging cord - I use one when I need extra distance. Connects to my mac or the power adapter, then attach the usb-to-iOS cord to that.