My computer has four USB 2.0 ports and two USB 1.0 ports on the back of the computer, plus two more USB 2.0 ports on the front.

The four USB 2.0 ports on the back of the computer have stopped working. All other ports continue to work.

Is this something the local computer shop might be able to repair, or are they just going to throw up their hands and say I need a new motherboard?

tanstaafl.