Flash drives are the undisputed favorites among storage devices. But problems with their use are encountered regardless of the manufacturer and the installed version of the operating system. As a rule, this is expressed in the fact that the laptop does not see the USB flash drive.
Why the laptop does not see the USB flash drive
The most frequent problems with the storage device:
- The flash drive is not formatted.
- USB port is dirty.
- Autorunner viruses.
- Failure in the operating system.
- Insufficient line voltage.
- USB plugged out or burned out.
- Difficulties with sections.
- Incompatibility of different file systems.
- Incorrect installation of drivers.
- Mechanical damage.
How to find the cause
If the laptop does not recognize the flash drive, you must first know the cause of the problem. If the USB drive is not recognized on another computer, then the reason is directly in the flash drive. If the laptop does not see any external drives, then the reason is uniquely in it. Anyway, the damage has a software or hardware character.
If the storage device is not read on any laptop, and software recovery methods do not correct the errors, then the plug contact most likely goes off or the integrity of the controller is compromised. The same malfunction may appear in the USB connector of the laptop: if it does not see any external devices, the only correct solution is to contact specialists.
Regarding the USB-connector, there is another nuance: if several devices are connected at once (using HUB), then the power supply unit of the laptop sometimes lacks power. Disconnect all devices and insert only one drive - in some cases it helps.
What to do if the laptop does not see the USB flash drive
Before contacting a workshop for repairing a connector or purchasing a new flash drive, you can try using several ways to fix the error programmatically. You need to start with BIOS:
- restart the laptop;
- During system boot, press Del to enter BIOS (sometimes another button, you need to look for a specific model);
- find the "USB-Configuration" menu (usually located in "Advanced", but the names often differ);
- find out the status of "USB Controller". This item must be enabled;
- save and exit BIOS.
If the required parameters cannot be found, you can try to reset the BIOS to the factory settings - the external connection controller is active by default. Why go to the "Exit" menu and find "Load Setup Defaults".
Disk Management and Task Manager
If the USB settings in the BIOS are set correctly, but the laptop still does not recognize the media, try to fix the drivers of the USB flash drive being used. During the first connection of the storage device, the OS installs the appropriate drivers. If it is not correct to get the equipment, then during the further operation irregularities in work are possible. To install the driver:
- go to the "Management" menu by clicking on the "Computer" icon;
- open the "Device Manager";
- Select "USB controller".
- remove the device from the list.
After restarting and connecting the drive, the driver will be reinstalled. This can be checked in the "Device Manager" by opening the "Devices". If the equipment is on the list, but does not open with a guide, you can try to correct the error like this:
- using the combination of buttons Win + R, open "Run";
- enter diskmgmt.msc;
- look for the USB flash drive (if it is in the “Device Manager”, then this menu should be present);
- right-click on the icon and find the item "Activate".
If the partition is still inactive, replace the drive letter. Press the storage device again with the right key and find "Change letter". Install another and save.
File system setup
If none of the above resulted in a result, check the media file system. If FAT32 is installed, then the malfunctions are related to the presence of different file systems. You can fix this problem by formatting a storage device in NTFS. But, if the computer does not recognize the hardware at all, then the file system cannot be changed, so this option is suitable only when the device is detected, but it is impossible to read the data.
Stages of action:
- open the menu "Run";
- On the command line, write convert drive_value: / fs: ntfs.
This will allow you to install the file system without using formatting, that is, save the information. But this will happen only when moving to NTFS. But, if Windows is used, then this change is required.
If the software error correction does not help, then the reason is a mechanical failure. Trying to repair the equipment yourself is not advised - it is best to contact specialists immediately.
Leave Your Comment