eSata/USB Port suddenly stops working on Ideapad Z575

[grimslider75]

Here is my Laptop Info:

Machine Brand and Model

Lenovo ideapad Z575 Laptop, AMD-A6

lsb_release -d

Description: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS

uname -mr

3.2.0-29-generic-pae i686

Problem: I have a total of 4 usb ports, including one esata/usb combo port. Now, this combo port seems to work fine until after at least 30mins of usage. After this time, the combo port no longer works (meaning, it no longer recognizes usb input) regardless of what is plugged in. ALL OTHER USB PORTS WORK FINE.

I've tested this port on windows 7, which is on a separate partition, and my external USB HDD works just fine on the esata/usb combo port, regardless of the duration of time it's used, whilst on windows. However, Ubuntu seems to handle it differently . . . .

What's going on and how can I alleviate this problem?

PS: While I was watching a video on my external HDD using vlc media player, the video suddenly stopped playing and VLC produced an error message. That's how I learned that the combo port just stops working out of nowhere.

[grimslider75]

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