midi controlling cubase problem

I’m pretty upset that even though cubase detects my m-audio keystation and akai mpd that midi messages aren’t detected when i hit a key. I have both midi controllers hooked up via usb. Why won’t cubase receive midi messages when i hit keys and turn knobs. It already knows they are present i can see them in the drop down menu under midi ports. I have “all midi” designated. This happens every blue moon when midi devices simply won’t control even though i have them set up right. HELP please.

There’s no activity in the Transport MIDI meter when tweaking? You shouldn’t use All MIDI Inputs, but the specific ports for your device. With USB Devices, sometimes the Emulated Ports are required.

would you mind elaborating on emulated ports?