Ubuntu – Trouble with Logitech mk270 combo keyboard/mouse with USB 3.0 hub

There are multiple probable causes for this behaviour. What first comes to mind is that the USB current exceeds it's maximum. This causes the USB controller to reset and so the drive doesn't work. The mouse receiver uses less power so it works. You probably need to connect the drive using a powered USB hub, or connect it to the USB 3.0 hub.

A less likely cause is that this particular drive causes the USB hub to reset on ATA probing (not power related). There have been bug reports about this some time ago. But since you describe that the drive works on another USB port I don't think this scenario is very likely in your situation.

Definitely receiver placement. I have my laptop mounted on the back of my big monitor and use the laptop monitor as a second screen that sits on top of the external one. If I put the receiver on the left USB everything gets wonky. On the left it sits between the HDMI and aux cables and I think that is part of the problem with the additional distance. But if my laptop is just sitting on my kitchen counter, I can use the mouse/keyboard from 10 feet away no problem.

Also make sure your phone is not near (12 inches-ish) or directly between keyboard/mouse and receiver. When mine lags, I just mindlessly look for my phone and move it and all is good again.

I think it's the bluetooth on the phone but phones kick out a lot of junk so not sure. I'm not going to start turning BT off just to resolve this so never tested this theory.