Why won't my pc (Windows 8) recognize that my Galaxy S3 is connected via USB?

[AC Question]

My computer has previously recognized the usb connection but for some reason hasn't recently. I am trying to upload some images from my phone to my computer but neither the phone nor the computer recognizes the usb connection. I have tried with numerous computers (all PCs) and none of them have recognized the USB connection, making uploading the images impossible.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! When you connect via USB, do you see a USB connection notification appear? If so, swipe down the notification panel and tap it--make sure you're set to MTP.

Also try a different cable, since cables can fail.

 

[Rukbat]

Also the microUSB port can be defective. (You can transfer files without a USB connection using WiFi File Transfer, but that's only a temporary fix.)