A Gauss–Bonnet dark energy model is considered. It is inspired by string/M-theory and also takes into account quantum contributions, which are introduced from a conformal quantum anomaly. The corresponding solutions for the Hubble rate, H, are studied starting from the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker equation. It is seen that, as a pure effect of the quantum contributions, a new solution for H exists in some region, which does not appear in the classical case. The behavior of all encountered solutions is studied with care, in particular the role played by the quantum correction term — which depends on the number of matter fields — in the stability of the solutions around its asymptotic value. It is argued that, contrary to what happens in the classical case, quantum effects remarkably lead to the realization of a de Sitter stage which corresponds to the inflation/dark energy stages, even for positive values of the f 0 constant (coupling of the field with the Gauss–Bonnet invariant).