I have a USB 128MB memory stick that has been fully working with my computer for some time. Recently I have been having a problem, in that, the computer refuses to recognise it.
With the memory stick connected, the USB icon appears in the System Tray, also a small light on the memory stick flashes, indicating it is working. Rt. clicking on the icon allows me to correctly shut down the memory stick and remove it, otherwise I get an error message about shutting down correctly. This would indicate that at least some part of the operating system is recognising the stick.
However when I go into my computer/explore, there is no indication of the presence of the memory stick as a removable memory device. (Before this problem occurred, the memory stick did show up).
I have tried the same memory stick in a different computer, with no problems. It is recognised and is fully functional. I have plugged my USB scanner into the computer where it too is fully recognised, and has full functionality. I tried a different memory stick, and after the operating system recognised it and installed the drivers correctly, I rebooted. I got exactly the same problem symptoms as before.
I tried a digital camera multi card reader, and again got the problem symptoms.
It would appear that the problem occurs on anything USB that appears on Computer Management/Device Manager/Disk Drives.
This indicates to me that there is nothing wrong with the memory stick nor with the USB hardware. I think that this will only leave the problem in the Windows 2000 Pro.operating software.
Going into the device manager/disk drives, there is a yellow ! mark (a direct hardware conflict) alongside 128MB USB2.0 Flash Drive Device. (This being the correct specification of the device). I right click on this device and choose properties. On the general tab, in the device status box it states “This device cannot start (code 10)”. On the lower window, it tells me that the device is enabled.
Choosing the Driver Tab, I have tried the uninstalled and the updated driver options. I am told that a suitable driver is already installed. I have tried all combinations, nothing solves the problem.
Going to, my computer/manage/removable storage/physical locations, the memory stick is recognised as being present, but it has a white cross inside a red circle next to it. Left clicking on the memory stick, I go into the drivers file. On the right of the screen the following entry is displayed
Name, Drive 0, (with the white cross inside a red circle)
Description, 128MB USB2.0 Flash Drive Device
State, Not present, Dismountable
Loaded Media, 1
I have had a look around all of the Computer Management files and can find no other indications of any problem warnings.
To the best of my recollection, there have been no changes to my computer, either hardware or software, so I can see no reason for this problem occurring.
I will be grateful for any help you can give me, to solve this problem.
Thanks
Raymac

Hello and welcome to SAF!

Sounds like a USB driver problem. Unplug the usb drive. Go into Device Manager and remove your usb controller and hub. Restart. You will probably need to use the keyboard if you have a usb mouse. When Windows reboots, it will reinstall the USB driver. Plug the drive in after windows reinstalls usb and try to access.

If this does not work, let us know. I am out of date on Win2K, but someone else may have another suggestion. This definitely sounds like a windows issue.

Thanks for your help.
Tried your suggestion.
Ended up back with the same problem.
I too think its a windows problem

save the 0's and 1's on another computer, format and see if that cures the &*^%$# thang