USB C with USB A Devices Not Working

Got an odd issue. I purchased a USB C dongle that can allow 3x USB A, 1x USB C PD input and HDMI output.

On a Lenovo T14S everything worked that was plugged in to it. However, on my MacBook Air and my "new" work provided Dell Attitude 3410 I am finding that most USB A things don't work.

Devices working
1) USB memory sticks
2) USB mouse dongles

Not Working on Dell or MacBook (but fine on Lenovo)
1) Trust webcam
2) Razer Microphone
3) Bakker Elkhuizen keyboard

Anyone any ideas why this might be, and ideas of what I can do? All the devices work fine on the dell if plugged in via USB slots, although this isn't possible on my MacBook as only 2xUSB C ports.

Cheers

- Try the other Thunderbolt ports on the Mac / USB-C ports on the Dell
- Flip over the USB-C connector in the port and try again
- Finally try connecting via a (powered) USB-C hub

Only one port on the Dell . Tried all ports on the Mac (and cable positions though). No difference unfortunately.

Unsure what you mean by a powered hub? The dongle/hub isn't powered to work, however it has the same issue whether power is plugged in via PD port or not.

Edited by gary333 (Tue 30-Nov-21 22:35:19)

A separate USB-C hub that has an external power input, connected into the USB-C/Thunderbolt port of the laptop. Then connect your device into that hub. More or less like a dock.

Apologies just re-read your post where you mentioned PD.

No consolation but I've had this issue before with a particular USB-C adapter that had a dual PD input and GbE RJ45 ethernet port. Unfortunately with this particular device it was very much down to the host device whether I could use both functions simultaneously or just one or the other function. There was no rhyme or other reason to it. I suspect you have a similar issue, just with the USB-A ports on your adapter.

My thinking with third suggestion in my OP, using an external hub (although contradictory with the fact that the device has PD input) is that in some cases the host device lacks the power needed to drive USB-A or other ports (especially in a hub scenarios) on the device. Using an external powered hub can alleviate that - although is seemingly counter intuitive / bit nonsensical if you have PD going into the device....