USB ports not recognized at same locations every time. Work everywhere else! What would cause this?

[ChromeFoundry]

2. Are all schools connected to the same network?

Do you use the same logon account to access local resources at each of the schools? I am thinking that there may be a Domain Enforced, Machine Policy for your account that is being applied when you are at the different locations. If you are not actually logging-in under a school account, then it is not a Policy being applied to your machine.

Do you normally "suspend" or "shutdown" your notebook when traveling between locations?
If you "suspend" at a location that does not allow USB port access and then "wake-up" the notebook at home, do you then have access to the USB Ports, or do you then need to perform a shutdown to gain access?