My computer doesn't recognize my cell phone that's connected with USB

Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to read this.

I must first apologize in advance if any of you think this is a computer problem rather than a Windows 10 problem. What I do know is that before I upgraded to Windows 10, there was always a box under (what is now) the heading "This PC". If I connected anything to the computer via a USB cable the computer would automatically recognize it and I would be able to transfer files.

Basically, I have a USB cable that I am using to connect my Samsung Galaxy S4 to my computer, an Acer Aspire. When I plug them into each other nothing happens. There is no pop-up window on my computer that even registers that the device is connected. I've tried multiple times to click the "This PC" button to see if the phone is connected, but it actually seems to be reading other devices around me and asking if I want to connect to them.

I would have used Cortana to ask for help, but unfortunately I'm having a serious problem with the fact that every single little thing I want to do from the desktop (you know, all the cool new apps or whatnot) requires me to sign into my microsoft account. Unfortunately for me, I created my account so long ago that the verification email they send your forgotten password to I have actually been locked out of because I don't know the password for that, and cannot have the security code sent to my phone since they have a very old number.

In any case, hopefully this is a Windows 10 bug so I won't have wasted your time.

Thank you in advance.

Have you tried to install the driver from the manufacturer's website?

Try using Samsung's Kies 3. I had similar problems with my Samsung GS5 at first, but after I installed Kies 3, it automatically installed the latest Samsung Mobile Phone Drivers, and it's worked without problems ever since.

Plus, once you get those drivers installed, you can then connect without using Kies 3 -- if you choose to do that.