usb not recognized when connecting ipad 2 to windows 8.1

any one or a combo may help

Try a different USB port

Try a different USB cable

Give your iPad a reset. Hold down the sleep and home keys for about 20 seconds. When you see the silver apple, let go and let it reboot and try again.

Restart your computer

Make sure your iTunes is up to date

If you go through all that and you stillcan't get iTunes or your computer to see your iPad, go into the control panel, programs, add/remove programs. Uninstall Apple Mobile Device Service, Apple application support. THen redownload and reinstall iTunes and try again.

iPad not appearing in iTunes

http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/assistant/itunes/

iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Mac OS X

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1591

iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1538

iTunes for Windows: iTunes can’t contact the iPhone, iPad, or iPod software update server

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1814

iTunes for Windows: Device Sync Tests

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4235

IOS: Syncing with iTunes

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1386

Apple - Support - iPad - Syncing

http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/syncing/

iTunes 10.5 and later: Troubleshooting iTunes Wi-Fi Syncing

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts4062

iOS: “Not enough free space” alert when trying to sync

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1503

You may need to delete iTunes on your computer and then reinstall.

How To Completely Uninstall and Remove All Traces of iTunes

http://zardozz.com/zz/2008/04/how-to-completely-uninstall-and-remove-all-traces- of-itunes.html/

 Cheers, Tom 😉