You didn't state how and what printer model and attached. I basically do the following:
Remove the printer and do a "self-test", read the manual to do this. If that works, then attach printer back and then at the printer setting area, do the OS printer test. If that passes, then the printer is really OK. That means some s/w or corruption has crept in. In most cases, I then totally de-install the printer then unhook it. Reboot and then use CCleaner(install if necessary) and run its "cleaner" button and finish. Then again CCleaner run the "registry" button and finish. Once all done, reboot and then install the printer as it suppose to be done. I suggest get the latest install procedure from the support website and alas connect only when it asks during install or if so instructed, prior, exactly as the manual states. If after all this it still fails, then either some other s/w is causing an issue or yet other OS based s/w is at fault.
IMHO, you can check Brother support and check for any FAQ on that model# or forum if present. I have found Brother and Samsung printers some of cheapest out there, to up and die. When all is said and done, only a new replacement did the trick.
tada -----Willy 