I've Windows 8 64-bit and want to use the iPhone 5 as my main wireless USB dongle and I've had this problem since Windows 7 where, no matter what I do, the Apple Mobile Device Ethernet comes up as "Network cable unplugged".
I've unplugged and plugged it back in, reinstalled iTunes, reset the network settings on the phone, made sure everythings up to date and reset the service in Windows to no avail.
iPhone 5, iOS 6.1.2
Do you subscribe to a data plan that allows tethering? Is the Personal Hotspot on your phone turned on?
Yes My personal hot spot is on in cellular data on and i have a data plan that allow tethering. that problem is start 4 days before. My iphone is do this job very well few days before.
I encountered the same situation with you. When i tried troubleshoot in "devices and printers", under "Apple Mobile Device USB Driver" it says that "Apple mobile device USB driver is an older USB device and might not work with USB 3.0"
At least i got my answer on why my laptop can't tether personal hotspot.
Hope this answer helps to those who are in the same boat.
Windows 10, 64 bit, Iphone 5S IOS 7.1.1
Iphone 5 Apple Mobile Device Ethernet comes up as "Network cable unplugged".
