Hi,
I am having trouble with my Arduino UNO, when I plug it into my PC using the USB cable the 'On' lights will turn on for 5-10 seconds and then turn off. The Arduino appears to shut down since the app can't upload anything to it and can't detect it being connected. If anyone has a solution it would be appreciated.
Welcome to the forum
Your topic was MOVED to its current forum category which is more appropriate than the original as it has nothing to do with Installation and Troubleshooting of the IDE
Hi, @funny_tractor1543
Welcome to the forum.
If the ON LED is going out, it is not because the arduino is turning it OFF.
It means the 5V power supply from the laptop/pc is shutting down.
Possibly due to overloading of the USB port.
Do you have any hardware connected to the UNO?
Have you tried another UNO or Arduino controller?
Thanks.. Tom... 
Hi,
I only have one UNO so I can't try another device. I currently have a few items connected which are a button, LCD, and a potentiometer.
I don't have the original cable so I have found two other ones that are the same type, could this be the problem?
I just unplugged all the devices connected to it and it seems to be working now however my code doesn't seem to be uploading. I only have one driver so that shouldn't be wrong and the board is correct, any ideas? This is what the terminal is saying:
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
Does this smell of a short to you @TomGeorge??
Disconnect everything from the Uno, then test again.
I have disconnected everything now and it is working, a new port also appeared so the code is loading now. As soon as I try to plag anything back in though the same problem occurs and it begins to turn off or whatever is happening.
The problem is not solved!
These components should require only a small current, well within the limits of USB power. So I think there must be an error in your circuit which is causing too much current to flow. Post a schematic and some bright, clear photos of the circuit so that every connection can be clearly seen.
Well, I am following a tutorial (If that is what you call it from the arduino create page) This is the circuit I followed, might be a bit easier for you to see.
I can see a small error in that diagram, but it would not result in the problem you have.
Is that a dead short across the power rails ?
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Ok, what's the error? I will try fixing it just in case.
It isn't that. Did you copy the error from the diagram above?
I am using the one that comes with the starter kit. I have attached a picture of it. The guy who made the page said that that is all he could find for the diagram but he used what I have.
With this type of button, an incorrect connection can cause a short circuit, which would result in the Uno shutting off in the way you have seen. To avoid connecting it incorrectly, use 2 diagonally opposite pins, and leave the other 2 pins unconnected.
The guy needs to correct the error that @UKHeliBob found. Otherwise damage can occur to Arduinos and even PCs/laptops. Please post a link to that page.
I have attached photos of my actual project if that helps. Thankyou for all your help with this, I really appreciate it.
Insert the button into the breadboard across the channel that runs down the centre of the breadboard. Then you can connect diagonally opposite pins without risk of a short circuit.
5V should not be connected to the button. Only wires should go to the Arduino input pin and ground.