Computer hardware savvy Jellies: Can I fix these malfunctioning USB ports?

I have a gateway laptop with Windows 8. There are three USB ports: two on the right, one on the left.

The two on the right do not work. Windows says the ports are working, but they’re not. For example: I can plug my corded USB mouse into the left side port, and it works. I plug it into the right front port, and the computer says the device is unrecognizable.

Could this be a driver problem? Or should I have the ports replaced?

And please don’t mention warranty repairs – the last thing I need is to be without a computer for three to four weeks, and then “gifted” with a different, refurbished computer that has none of my programs on it.

Thanks, Jellies!!