Elegoo Uno R3 Won't connect to my Computer after plugging it into a 5v Converter

I connected my Elegoo Uno R3 via usb to my computer and uploaded code repeatedly many times, just fine. Then I took it out to my project, plugged in the same USB cable to my buck converter's USB port that runs at 5v, tested my code and it worked perfectly. I also tested the output of the buck converter with my multimeter and found it to be just under 5v, which is expected.

I took it back to my computer (windows 10), plugged it in, and now I'm getting a "USB Device not recognized" error, explaining that the device has "malfunctioned" and windows doesn't recognize it. I opened device manager and tried automatically updating drivers, then I manually updated drivers and that did nothing as windows told me "The best drivers for your device are already installed" and refused to install the Arduino drivers I wanted. Arduino IDE is not detecting it either. Now I did run it on the buck converter at a very low voltage (1.5 or so volts) for a few seconds on accident, maybe that caused the code to get corrupted on startup in the bootloader or something?

It's ok to plug in my Elegoo Uno R3's USB cable to a power source at 5v to run it, right? Or did I do something wrong and fry a component or corrupt it? The green and orange led's still light up, and when plugging it in my code still runs and works 100%. I've tried different USB ports, a different computer, a different USB cable, the device is just not being recognized anymore and I can't make any edits to my code or get Arduino to detect it. The code still runs perfectly fine and I've examined the board and found no fried bits or faults. I just can't connect it to my computer anymore, frustrating since that inherently bricks a $20 arduino.

I have an arduino nano that arrives tomorrow to replace this uno, and I'm planning on using the same buck converter to run it. However I really don't want to risk breaking it again.

This was the only other post I found that is almost 1:1 to my situation, and I'm hoping its a problem exclusive to the Elegoo Uno R3. Is this a common problem with the cheaper boards like the Elegoo, and am I safe to use the Arduino Nano with its usb port at 5v? Or is it likely my buck converter at fault and should I power it another way?

Any thoughts, tips, suggestions, would be really appreciated!

You are on the right track, see if the new board works. Power it via computer USB port first. Try the same with your eegoo with nothing connected. Is there any hardware connected?

I have tried plugging in my Elegoo without any hardware or sensors soldered on, which made no difference sadly. And considering this occurs when plugging into any PC, USB cable, or port, the fault lies at the Arduino board itself, something corrupted I assume.

I will definitely be plugging the Nano into my computer first, however, my fears arise at whether or not plugging it into the buck converter would brick it like it did to my elegoo uno. I'm not sure if its my buck converter that made the problem, or if it's a problem specific to the elegoo uno.

Use a voltmeter to check the output of the buck converter. There are SEPIC (buck/boost) converters that look almost exactly like a buck or boost converter. Check the USB port by connecting something else into it and see if that works. Hopefully I am wrong but it is possible you fried your computer USB port. I always use some sort of port expander to be safe. Since mine is not a laptop I also purchase inexpensive USB port board that plugs directly into the motherboard expansion slots. They can be gotten in USB3 or 2.

I said in the post I used a multimeter to check the output of the buck converter. I also said in the post that I had already tried different USB ports on my computer, and an entirely different computer.

I know you are trying to help, but can you at least read my post before offering advice that I already said I had tried in the post?

Hello FlowerCrow
Keep calm.
Publish the current schematic.
Have a nice day and enjoy coding in C++.

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Publish what schematic? This is a hardware problem.

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Ok, I´m out.
Have a nice day and enjoy coding in C++.

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Coding can be fun, hardware is a lot of fun if understand it. I will use my time to help others.

Was the buck converter power up or powered off when you plugged it together?

Powered up.

Not good. We do not know what the unloaded voltage might be with NO load. Can you measure it?

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