Removable Media Problem

[POG]

I have been asked a question that I don't know the answer to. So perhaps someone will know the answer here.

The problem is:-

Whenever a USB memory stick is inserted, it is recognised by My Computer but will not open. The message : Please insert a disc into drive F. It will however work properly if the computer is restarted or reset with the stick left inserted.

The same is true of CDs.

I'm guessing that it must be something fairly simple (but I don't know what it is )

Any help will be much appreciated (it's for the in-laws )

 

[mikepg]

Do the devices show up in My Computer? - if not:

go to control panel -> System -> hardware(tab) -> device manager

Is there a (!) is on the tiny pic of cd-rom drive? - if so you have a driver problem and need to reload it off your system restore disk or windows disk (do this by right-clicking on cd-rom, -> properties
and click roll-back driver first, when that fails click re-install driver and do that…

after doing that and restarting, and the comp STILL fails to see it, open up comp, take plugs out the back of cd-rom and look at them (shouldn’t be dusty on inside, make sure no burn marks on power cord plug-in) then plug back in snuggly… restart again and see if that works.

Failing that ..........I would take a hammer to it!!!

 

[exeter_lad]

I have had similar problems with USB sticks and media cards. Usually because they have been formatted through connection to a computer. I find that formatting them using their own prodecure (USB stcik) or Camera (Media card) does the trick.

Other possibility. Windows recognises the USB and assumes that's its own drivers will handle the USB. Sometimes this is not the case and you need to install the drivers that came with the USB stick.

Final thought, is the PC a straightforward single C:\ drive installation? Or has the hard disk been partitioned? I use a PC which includes 3 partitions and an extended partition (Drives C, D, E and F). Because there is no gap before the extended partitioned drive (it has to be F unfortunately), Windowes recognises USB drives but will not open them as it needs to allocate the USB drive a letter prior to any extended partitions or network drives.