USB drive not recognized in XP Solved/Closed

Question

Hello,  Since I reinstalled Windows XP Home, my USB key (Samsung Mighty Driver) is no longer recognized.  Can you help me? Thank you in advance.

claire · Accepted Answer

Hello,
I have a similar problem: my computer running XP cannot find the installation drivers for my USB stick; in the device manager, it tells me that they are not installed and specifies: (code 28). Every time I go through the process with the installation wizard, I get the same response: drivers cannot be found... If anyone has an idea, that would be great!
Thank you,
Claire

phery · Answer

Hi, stupid question: have you reinstalled the drivers for your key ??  ----------phery--------- --Like the boat---

kelux · Answer

Hi,

XP doesn't need drivers for USB keys (normally)
However, you need to have Service Pack 1, as it allows you to have USB 2.0... just know that if you only have USB 2.0 ports...

Luc L.
[Gentoo] finally :Þ

anastazia971 · Answer

Hi,

Actually, I reinstalled the XP Home SP1 operating system. But I don't have the Office pack. Is there a link between its absence and the key not being recognized? If so, what should I do?

Thank you

teutates · Answer

Hello,

Windows XP definitely needs USB drivers, XP or not XP! In fact, under WinXP, the driver installation procedure is very simplified and fast.

Plug in the USB key and Windows XP will automatically recognize the addition of a new device and thus start the auto-installation procedure for the driver. Just accept and let it do its thing. Choose the default option: native driver integrated into Windows. In less than a minute, the driver is installed and it is possible to explore the USB key.

Toco y se gausos !!!

anastazia971 · Answer

Hello,

After several attempts, I have just realized that the problem is not specific to the key.
It also extends to the printer connected to the USB port.
XP Home detects the presence of new hardware (sound signal + hardware identification in the device manager under the other devices section).
But when clicking on the device properties (device status), I get the message: the drivers for this device are not installed (code 28).
I can't reinstall for the key since I have neither a CD nor a driver.
Regarding the printer, the installation fails. Reason: during the printer search to define its port, I receive the message "the printer port is set to PORT. To use the printer on a network, change the port accordingly."

I hope that with this new information, you will be able to help me.

Thank you in advance.

anastazia971 · Answer

Thank you for the help  I finally formatted my hard drive, which solved the problem.

Nad · Answer

Hello,

I have exactly the same problem as Anastazia, I already did a restore but the problem persists. My computer has WIN XP with update SP2, it can detect the printer and the key, but then it tells me that the device drivers are not installed, and it can't find them on the Internet, nor can it install them from the printer CD.
Is there any other solution than formatting???
Thank you in advance for your replies
Nad

sébastien · Answer

Hello,

It turns out I have the same error message as this person: "The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28)"
Previously, I was using Win98 but I have installed XP Home! Since then, no sound at all, not even system sounds...
My sound card is an "Advance Logic ALS4000"! I can't even manage to find it on the site!

WHAT can I do? I don't have the installation CD for my sound card.
Thank you for helping me because it has been months that this has been going on....
Goodbye.
Sébastien!

clairepaulian · Answer

Hello,
I was able to solve my USB key problem... So if it can help others: first, I actually had to download Service Pack 1 (it's easy to find with Google) and install it; then when the installation wizard starts (after plugging in the key), you need to specify where to find the driver. It's the "inf" folder in the Windows folder on drive C. Be careful, the inf folder might be hidden. If the installation assistant doesn’t start when the key is plugged in, you need to go to Device Manager, locate the key, click on properties, and then reinstall
Good luck!
Claire

séb · Answer

Hi again,
thank you for replying so kindly, but this is not appropriate for my problem...
Indeed, I have not a USB card issue but a sound card problem! :s!
thank you for taking the trouble to try to solve my problem (hardware specifications above)
see you later, seb

TARTE A LA FRAISE · Answer

Check if the USB controllers are enabled in your BIOS.

kialginat · Answer

I share the same opinion as TARTE A LA FRAISE, check in the BIOS if the USBs are "enabled".

dervis · Answer

PLEASE GIVE ME THE SOLUTION THANK YOU

verceau1 · Answer

My problem is related to the webcam; when I plug my webcam into a Windows 98 machine or later into an XP machine, the hardware is not detected. Nothing happens when I connect my webcam... thank you very much for your response...

Carlos Lafuente · Answer

Hello everyone, on a machine with WinXP Pro, the USB key issue came from the fact that when detecting/installing, etc. the key, Win XP assigns a drive letter (e.g. F:).
In my case, this letter was already taken by a network drive!!! The computer wouldn't show either the network drive or the key.
Through the admin tools, Computer Management/disk management, you can assign/change drive letters. Since then, I haven't had any issues with USB keys (Mp3, minicruizer, etc.). But be careful, the problem can come back from time to time.

This problem also occurs with Win2K and network and/or external drives, but less often than in XP(!!!)

So here's another possibility.

oliv98 · Answer

Hello everyone,

your problem strangely resembles a bug in certain versions of XP!
After installing your driver... if the device is still not recognized, you need to go to the device manager and change the driver of the unrecognized device by pointing it to c:\windows\inf\

Then it should normally work: I did this just yesterday for a friend.

Comments and resolutions are welcome...

Bye

Bidule · Answer

Hello,  I struggled for a few days with this USB key and finally the answer has come, thanks to oliv98 who found the solution.

gilles · Answer

Hello,  I have the same problem as you, Windows displays "code 28". I then went to "disk management" to change the letter of the USB port but my drive is not even recognized there... but it is recognized in "device manager" (it is written with a question mark and an exclamation point in yellow next to the name of the drive).  The same happens when I try to change the driver (c:\windows\inf\), it doesn't even ask me to show the path, it just wants to know if I am connected to the internet or not, so I can't do anything...   So if you have a little idea, it would be welcome.  Thank you   Gilles

oliv98 · Answer

Doesn't he ask you to "specify a location"? -- If it works... don't hesitate to send an email!

gilles · Answer

Well, actually, yes, but this location (c:\windows\inf) is missing from my computer... or at least it's not in that place, but I did a search and it didn't find it, so I don't know what to do anymore.

SYLVIO · Answer

Hello everyone I also have a problem like this I can't connect my webcam since I switched to XP before on 2000 everything was fine  now when I connect it says "the hardware has not been installed because the wizard cannot find the necessary software"  yet the CD with the driver is indeed in my machine  otherwise when I connect the cam, my PC detects the new hardware just fine it's really starting to annoy me!!!!  could someone please help me?

oliv98 · Answer

Hi,  already answered: answer 24 you have the solution (from me)  bye

DonJuana · Answer

For Gilles:  you need to specify where to look for the driver. It's the "inf" folder in the windows folder on the C drive. Note that the inf folder may be hidden. If when the key is plugged in the installation assistant doesn’t launch, you need to go to device manager, find the key there, click on properties and then reinstall Answer twelve!  Sometimes you just have to look up!

Pich · Answer

Hello, My problem is that when I plug in a USB device, Windows XP simply crashes at the moment I connect the device. Does anyone have a solution? Thank you in advance.

gilles · Answer

ok, thanks to donjuana,  it's true I hadn't seen that this fucking folder could be hidden. Now it's fine, I can live in peace.  Thanks   gilles

BPB · Answer

Hello,  I have essentially the same problem with another device, namely my DVD burner, code 28, detected at every new reboot, delivered without drivers because it is normally supported without issues by XP. This doesn’t prevent it from functioning but it’s horrendously annoying.   Moreover, when I try to force the drivers by pointing to the windows/inf directory, that pesky hardware wizard tells me that even there it finds nothing that accounts for my hardware.  What solution is there?

Kabja · Answer

Just follow Claire Paurian's advice for USB recognition issues (namely, look for the driver in Windows/INF, which folder can be hidden!!!). Really a very useful solution....

phana · Answer

Hello everyone  I also have a problem with my Kingmax 256MB flash drive; it is not recognized. Can you help me and detail all the steps I need to take to get this drive working!!!!  Thank you all

MANU · Answer

Thank you very much for the info about the hidden "inf" file. I had been struggling for 3 days after buying a new laptop and couldn’t get my USB drives to work. I restored the system twice on the advice of FNAC's hotline, which thought it was a virus—"BRAVO TO THE HOTLINE." I should have come here directly.

bombaz · Answer

Help me please!!!!!!!! I'm having the same problem as you (my key is not recognized with "code 28"), I have XP SP2 but I can't find the windows/inf file!! how do you display hidden files??

Kxpunisher · Answer

Install the SP2 after installing the USB peripherals... The SP2 causes a lot of USB detection problems (also see SD cards) that, for example, are detected but unusable due to the SP2 (source Compaq HP France "Uninstall Service Pack 2: It will hinder the use of SD cards") another information check that your USB key or card is not locked during the first installation... Good luck...

lila · Answer

Hi,   Thank you very much, I was able to solve my USB key issue on XP thanks to your message. Indeed, I had to specify the location c:\windows\inf.  However, if once finished, the new hardware detection assistant reappears, then you must continue the process by always specifying the location "c:\windows\inf", and it works.  I’m really happy, because finally thanks to you "13", I’ve solved my problem,

vava · Answer

Hello everyone   I have this problem but it's not resolved!  I have the c:\windows\inf\ folder (not hidden). When I tell it this folder, it says it can't find "USBSTOR" even though I can find it through the explorer! What should I do?????

Fafa · Answer

Hi,  Like many, my PC does not recognize my key. I would like to know how to make the infamous \inf file of Windows not hidden anymore.  Thank you.

fafa · Answer

Thank you all (even to oliv98 who doesn't seem very friendly), I finally managed to connect my key.

Peterx77 · Answer

Hi everyone, I had the same problem with my TV card. Having a CD burner and a simple CD player, I inserted the Windows XP installation CD into one drive and the actual CD into the other. Then I started the driver installation process, and strangely enough, this trick worked—don't ask me why.

peterx77 · Answer

Je m'excuse "réellement les drivers"

max · Answer

Salut, strawberry pie! Could you give me the steps to connect the USB ports in the BIOS?

pascal · Answer

Thank you very much Claire, I struggled too and thanks to you I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Pascal

summers · Answer

Hello   I have the same recognition problem with a Windows XP Home Pack 2. I would like to know how to fix it, thanks. I'm a novice in this, so please don't hesitate to elaborate on your explanations.   Thank you.

venturi85 · Answer

start_control panel_multimedia mobile devices  it works with me

greg · Answer

Hello, I have the same issue, no USB device works on my PC since a format. So after various searches, I have: - specified to look in windows\inf for the driver installation (I even copied an \inf directory from a laptop where it works!!) - updated my motherboard chipset - updated my Windows (SP1) - applied the various Windows patches KB822...., KB823..., KB835... In short, nothing works, I’m losing it. Especially since during previous formats it has never blocked me like this... grrrrr Thank you for your help, no more camera, no more mp3, no more USB stick, I’m starting to seriously miss it... greg

Fille de l'aurore · Answer

Thank you so much to Claire Paulian for her tip, it worked well for me, my camera and MP3 player are finally recognized by Windows XP...I'm so happy after months of struggles...thanks to everyone on the forum!

zut80 · Answer

I have the same problem, namely I have 2 USB keys that were recognized previously and on which I saved data, now these 2 keys are named unknown device. I went to c:\windows\inf file not found, then I went to control panel add already installed hardware, I indicated the unknown devices and each time I received the response that it works normally, so where is the flaw? The two keys do not have a drive letter. Laptop under XP Pro SP2 -- With my thanks in advance Pierre

Nathalie · Answer

Hello,  I discovered your forum after searching for a solution to my problem online. Maybe you have an answer. When I plug my brand new Cosk'IN 2GB USB key into either USB port on the front of my computer, everything freezes—no keyboard, no mouse—and I have to reboot my computer even after unplugging the key....  I usually have no issues with these USB ports. I use them with another USB key or for my camera or for my Palm without any problems. So there must be something with the configuration of the key ????  Thank you for your help.

nickdylan · Answer

Hi, My USB ports on my P2 are not working anymore. I confirm that I installed Office XP P1 What should I do? Thank you

anas · Answer

Hi, I have had a problem for a while with my USB key, When I plug it into a port I wait a few moments and it tells me unknown device, I no longer see the removable drive in My Computer Could someone respond to me, thanks in advance If you want to contact me, write to naitssianas@hotmail.com Thank you

Esperanza1 · Answer

Hello! I'm trying to install a USB flash drive... I put in the driver CD. Clicked everywhere and there you go, nothing! I don't know where to start I tried......... Start.. PanoConfig.. Computer Management.. But I don’t see......... my USB flash drive or anything how do I get it recognized by my computer THANK YOU Excuse my lack of knowledge Have a nice day everyone Esperanza..

Jean-Christian · Answer

Hello, I have a somewhat similar problem. In fact, I connect a mobile phone running Windows Mobile 6 via USB to my PC. It detects new hardware, RNDIS device, but it can't find the driver. Normally, it should detect an RNDIS device first, then detect a Windows Mobile device. Do you know how to prevent it from stopping at the first type of device found? Thank you, Jean-Christian

Pierre · Answer

Good evening Have you updated Windows with Microsoft Update? Does your PC need a driver to install the USB ports? Are they USB 1 or USB 2? Check on driver.com if there are drivers for your USB card See you soon Best regards Pierre STRASBOURG

coccinelle · Answer

I couldn't get the driver, I want to know if there is another way to obtain this driver so that I can read what is on my USB stick. Thank you!

quetzat · Answer

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YOU'RE CLEAR TO US more seriously, the same problem with my USB key and finally the solution A big thank you to Claire

matrix88 · Answer

Hello,  JIJIce, it's simple, go to Control Panel => System => Hardware => Device Manager => Other devices => your key => right-click => Properties => install the driver => yes, this time => install by searching for the driver in the specified folder => you choose the folder: C/WINDOWS/inf => next and everything works =)  If the inf folder is not visible in WINDOWS, go to Tools => Folder Options => View => show hidden files and folders.  Enjoy ;)

Cheyenne · Answer

Hello,  I've never experienced something so incredible >_< So, my Windows XP SP2 has always recognized USB drives, etc... But recently I plugged in my friend's MP3 player which needed a micro USB adapter like an iPod but even crappier... XP took a while but eventually recognized it... But strangely after a while it couldn't be reconnected O_o I didn't care at that moment xD But then I attached my MP3 player and surprise, it doesn't recognize anything... not even on the USB ports at the back, not even my brother's USB stick works anymore O_o I really don't see the problem, guys, if you could help me it would be cool, thanks =)

mehdi · Answer

Hello, for Seb, Windows does not support your sound card, you need to download the driver from www.telecharger.com. For example, if you have a CMI audio device, go to the site, click on drivers, then sound cards, and go to the C-Media section. The same goes for USB sticks, no need for Windows Update; go to drivers and choose the corresponding host controller for your key.

priss21 · Answer

Hi everyone, I've just read almost all the messages on this topic and I notice that... nobody has this problem with Vista! (except me of course!) ...Sniff... I've been struggling with my USB key for too long, my PC recognizes it but I can't install it. If anyone has an idea about my problem, it would be nice to help me. Take care everyone.

jeanmahieu · Answer

Sure, for information regarding unlocking a key recognition.  As for me, I am unable to connect a USB 2.0  - compatible with 1.0 and 1.1 - from the brand Intenso to an HP Pavilion  f1703 running on O.S. Windows XP Home Edition.  There is a constant appearance of codes 10 and 28  along with the mentions "WPD and MTP".  I do not know the precise parameters of the device software to activate in  the folder C:\windows\inf.   Can you help me with this?   Thank you in advance,   JM

pistigou · Answer

hi,  Claire, I need your help,  you seem to have the knowledge and expertise for this discussion! My problem is a bit different in the sense that I'm trying to set up a USB connection between my Samsung mobile and my Windows XP PC to transfer music and use it as an MP3 player.  Every time I try to install it - using the software provided and the software available on their website - my PC refuses to recognize the USB port and displays "Hardware detected, installation failed... installation error," even though I’m doing exactly what it says in the user guide and what Samsung's hotline told me.  So I'm wondering if the problem is with my PC!!  Please help me, give me a clue,

Bayex · Answer

How can I write my signature on a photo I took with my camera?

Chicos · Answer

Hello, I have the following problem:
I formatted my USB stick to make it bootable (with the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool).
The problem is that it apparently wasn't bootable, and since then I can't use it anymore, it's no longer detected!
How can I make Windows detect it again?
HELP!
:-)

morgane · Answer

Hello, like everyone else, my PC doesn't recognize anything anymore... It tells me that the drivers for this device are not installed (Code 28) I followed all the instructions, I specified the location (c:\Windows\inf) but it tells me that the Assistant can't find the necessary hardware... HELP please if anyone has the solution... Thank you

TABBOUCH · Answer

Hello  I don't know if my message got posted?  Having seen Claire's solution on reinstalling SP1 and c:\windows\inf  My DELL computer doesn't recognize the removable drive :( A page would open every time I connected the USB key) The drive has disappeared since my formatting due to a virus.  My question: DELL provides us with a WINDOWS SP2 recovery CD for my case. This CD formats as well as reinstalls WINDOWS which is ALREADY pre-installed.  If I install SP1: Negative consequences? If later I need to format using this CD ROM?? which concerns SP2 and not SP1?  Thank you all very much.  Pierre.

fernand · Answer

Hello,  I realize that I am not the only one in this jungle of computer problems; I also have a USB stick issue. Indeed, I have searched and found no way to solve it, even after reinstalling WINDOWS XP. I went to: Computer Management, Disk Management, etc... In Disk Management, I see drive C and D for the DVD, but I don't know how to create an E letter for my removable disk drive. If there’s a solution, it would be welcome.  I thank this site.  FERNAND

rocco · Answer

I have a 4GB Cruzer flash drive that worked very well on my computer (Windows XP). This drive is designed to be installed without any additional drivers. You just plug it into a USB port.  For the past few days, the drive lights up intermittently when I plug it in, and the computer no longer detects it (more specifically, it displays "unknown device"). It does not show up in My Computer.  I tried it on another computer, and it works, and I noticed that my computer recognizes flash drives from other brands.  I’ve done all the checks as per the device manager's instructions, checked the USB ports, etc. to no avail. A computer technician even came but couldn't find a solution (but was he good???).  Perhaps someone has faced a similar issue and can suggest solutions.  Thank you in advance.

omri2015 · Answer

My flash drive is detected by Windows XP, but its capacity is 0 (zero) MB, I can't format or analyze it... I need help. Thank you.

ZIZOU · Answer

Hello; I have a problem with my USB drive, when I insert it into the USB port and click, a message appears saying "insert a drive" and I can't access it. The drive is indeed properly inserted into the port.

rach · Answer

I had the same problem with a 2GB emtec key 1st step (tools: folder options: show hidden files) 2nd step insert the key, the installation wizard opens automatically choose (have it choose the driver yourself) browse to c:\windows\inf it will preselect 1394.inf and you will click OK, and that's it then open the device manager if there is still a question mark right click to update the driver, select c:\windows\inf\1394.inf normally there shouldn't be any more issues but still thanks to Claire for guiding us to the inf file, we needed to think of that! ps no need to reinstall sp1 or sp2 if your computer came with it at purchase!

valoche77 · Answer

I work from home on files that I put on a USB stick; I've been doing this for three years. Yesterday, I plugged my USB into my computer, went to my computer, and clicked on my E drive, so it recognizes my USB. However, there are no folders or files on my USB, and in the properties, it shows zero bytes used and zero bytes free??? Then I thought my files were deleted by mistake, and this morning, I plugged my USB at work, and surprisingly, all my files appeared. Well, maybe it was a mistake on my part at home, but I just plugged in my USB, and nothing appears at home. Can someone help me because I'm stuck right now!!!!!!!!

dom07 · Answer

I have a USB drive containing folders. But when I open it, I don't see these folders even though they are there! What should I do? Help me, these documents are important to me  dom07

freeman47 · Answer

I present to you a report generated using the Everest software. Can you understand it and let me know how I could remedy this problem?  Device properties:  Driver description Unknown device  Driver date 01/07/2001  Driver version 5.1.2600.0  Driver supplier Microsoft  INF file usb.inf  Hardware identification USB\UNKNOWN  Location information USB device  As I already informed you, the system does not detect the device and shows me an unknown device Thank you in advance.

Antares 44 · Answer

Hello everyone...  Well, like many of you, I was having trouble with some of my USB devices (camcorders, USB keys,...) that were not automatically installed by Windows XP, while my printer and my old 4GB USB key were recognized directly...  I should clarify that I have SP2 of Windows XP, and according to multiple searches on various forums, attempts like: C:/Windows/inf didn't work (I had indeed made hidden files visible), nor did modifying the values in regedit, etc., etc....  In short, I had been dealing with this issue for a few months...  When I found a solution that worked for me on another forum....  In fact, in the inf folder, the INFCACHE.1 file may be corrupted (due to an old virus or misoperation)...  I then followed this method, deleting the Infcache.1 file, and then restarting my PC...  After that, try the forced installation method via C:/Windows/Inf/..  It worked for me, and I hope I can be of help to you, especially SP2 users who, like me, couldn't get the first method to work...

Louly91 · Answer

Hi! I have a little problem with the USB port... when I plug my USB stick into my computer, it makes the sound it's supposed to make, but there's an error saying the USB is not accessible... (so I can't open it) and yet, I tried it on another computer and it works fine... (I should mention that I've used a USB on this computer before... and now I don't know what's going on with it... I also want to point out that my computer is not infected with any viruses) and I tried the USB cable from my camera and it worked normally Has this ever happened to you? If so, how did you fix it? Thanks, kisses

lisa · Answer

Hello,  I received a USB flash drive, but I can't get it to work. The assistant says that I need to reinstall the driver (code 28), but when I try to do that, I get the following message: the object cannot be installed because the provider is unknown.  For your information, I am using Windows 98.  Thank you very much for your help.

venturi85 · Answer

Win 98 is starting to be a bit outdated... not surprising that it's causing some problems for me, the solution is to switch to XP ;)

papyrus1 · Answer

Hi,  I have a problem that's almost similar to all the ones I've read in this post, with the only difference being that my PC detects the USB drive from time to time, but only for a very short period, then it disconnects, or the drive is lit, or it starts flashing, but there's no detection of the PC removable disk. I eventually thought that my drive had a problem, so I bought a new one. But it's the exact same circus, the same goes for mp4 players, some are detected, others are not, or maybe once every two times..... It's really frustrating. On the other hand, I have no error messages, except for ones like "your hardware might work faster........" I was also told that it could be a mechanical issue with my computer, like faulty connectors! Is that possible?  What exactly is Claire's trick? Download the SP1 pack?  Thank you for helping me solve this problem.

lysFleur · Answer

I think it's a driver issue. Did you install the driver for your key after installing Windows XP Home?

dany89 · Answer

After going through the many questions regarding Windows XP's failure to recognize certain USB devices, like a USB stick or anything else, I finally resolved my issues by following these two pieces of advice: 1) download the patch and install it; 2) from the control panel, and after plugging in my USB stick before rebooting the machine, launch the wizard and ask it to choose from a list: "C:windows\inf", it took about 30 seconds, and finally solved my problem: my 4 GB USB-2 stick is now recognized and works perfectly, as does my old ZIP-100 tape drive (obsolete since the invention of USB sticks) which I couldn't use anymore since I installed service pack 2 of Windows, while with the original version service pack 1, everything installed normally... (I have documents to retrieve from the floppy disks I set aside).
I would like to draw your attention to this point: DO NOT BELIEVE THAT INSTALLING SERVICE PACKS 2 or 3 SOLVES ALL PROBLEMS! because it's exactly the opposite, at least as far as I'm concerned!
However, thanks to this correction patch (blessed be the one who created and offered it for free), I didn't have to revert to service pack 1, which is convenient for me, as after some viruses, I had serious troubles, several major crashes, and I had to reinstall Windows XP home from A to Z at least three times in a row... that was in 2006. I also went without any sound for six months, until this last complete reinstallation after formatting the hard drive, which put everything back in its place!...
Advice to the poor "WITHOUT SOUND": you know what you have to do: back up everything you can, either on one or more USB sticks, or on an external hard drive, then turn off the power, insert the Windows installation CD, choose "format the disk" when prompted, then divide it into two partitions if its size allows (mine is 80 GB and I divided it into 2 x 40 GB), in order to have a blank "backup" partition (in case the C drive deteriorates for some reason), then complete reinstallation of Windows... Good luck!
Best regards,
Dany89

Akira_Yuki · Answer

Hello.

It is in despair that I am writing to you because I truly believe I have tested all possible means at my disposal.
Believe it or not: my USB drive is no longer recognized by my PC... and I do mean "no longer," as just 1 day ago, it was detected without any issues (I usually spend my time plugging and unplugging it from the PC).

I have Windows XP Home Edition SP3.
My USB/MP3 player is a "Music Drive K" from Memup (512 MB).

One point that might be important: yesterday, when I plugged in an external hard drive, my peripherals suddenly were no longer recognized by the PC (black screen, keyboard considered disconnected). This is a recurring problem on my PC, although quite rare. As a complete novice in matters of computing, when this issue arises, I apply the following "method": I open the PC, blow on it, dust it off, unplug/replug all the cables inside... in short, what you do when you have no clue.
Despite this, the PC still did not recognize any peripherals (neither the screen nor the keyboard), and finally, this morning when I restarted it, everything was working correctly without me doing anything else.

At least, I thought so... because since then, my USB drive is no longer recognized by the PC.
I believe the USB ports (I've tested several, with or without an extension) are operational, since the drive lights up and can function when connected to the PC (even though it doesn't have a battery). However, there's no automatic detection anymore: it's impossible to find any trace of the drive on the PC.

I have:
- Uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers for the drive
- Tried to "update" the USB controllers by specifying the path C:/windows/inf (which I have to enter manually, especially since I also have an issue with hidden files: when I check the box to display them, the choice is supposedly validated, but as soon as I go back to the settings, the box is no longer checked, and only the option "do not display etc..." is checked. Anyway, that's not the problem)
- Tried the same thing after deleting the INFCACHE.1 file, as suggested by Antares
- Renamed my drives (the USB drive does not appear in the drive management of 'My Computer')
- Performed a "hard reset" by cutting power and holding the power button on the PC for 1 minute and 20 seconds
- Checked the type of data of "device path" via regedit
- Uninstalled and then reinstalled the USB bus controller
- Performed a system restore going back before the incident occurred 24 hours earlier

Furthermore:
- In the device manager, I have no "unknown device" in sight. However, I do have a yellow question mark labeled "other device," divided into 2 other question marks named "multimedia audio controller" and "RAID controller."
- When I plug in my USB drive, I cannot choose the installation path for the drivers or anything. The drive lights up, and nothing (no "unknown device," no recognition sound, no "hub connected to a low-speed port," or anything like that, etc.)
- My drive (and the external hard drive that may be responsible for the problem) is recognized without any issues on another PC.

I've been reading all the tutorials, help, and advice returned by the search "USB drive not recognized" on Google for over 4 hours, and I am trying everything I read, without the slightest hint of results... and to make matters worse, the problematic PC has no internet access - so downloading a patch or anything is out of the question (unless I could transfer it to the problematic PC via... my USB drive, haha...).

If you are reading this and can do something for me, please help me!! I'm at my wit's end; I REALLY need to access my drive on my personal PC...
If you need additional information to assist me, please let me know, and I will gladly provide it.

Thank you in advance.

Akira_Yuki · Answer

Oh, sorry, I'm talking nonsense... I have service pack 2, not 3 as mentioned at the beginning of the message.  I’m really sorry :s (can't we edit here?)  Edit: oh well yes, actually... strange, I didn’t see it on the actual post, while on this one the edit option is obvious... sorry -_-

r · Answer

Since I reinstalled Windows XP Home, my USB key is no longer recognized.  Can you help me? Thank you in advance.

USB drive not recognized in XP

81 réponses

My laptop shuts down by itself at 50% battery!

Epson printer prints unexpectedly

Texture issues in enshrouded

Announcement: online source code archive

Download games for ipod nano-chromatic

Initialisation dd impossible - "cyclic redundancy check"

Vistaquest fs 501 converter

Sims2 on ds how to persuade sir mole?

I have notifications but no sound. what should i do?

Why is my freebox stuck at step 6 during the firmware download?