I was creating a word document. I saved it into my USB. I removed the USB – I just ripped it out of the USB port of my laptop without "safely removing it".

I put my USB into my Desktop PC computer. It said that my USB malfunctioned and that Windows could not recognise it.

I went into Control Panel>Device Manager>Universal Serial Bus Controllers
And "Uninstalled" the "USB Mass Storage Device" that had the Yellow Exclamation Mark symbol on it. I, then, rebooted the computer.

I put my USB back in my Desktop PC computer.
Windows says that the device is successfully installed.

I open up "My Computer", I can't see it anywhere.

I go back into Control Panel>Device Manager>Universal Serial Bus Controllers
I see "Unknown Device" listed. I "right click" it and click on "Properties". Under the tab "General", it says "No drivers are installed for this device." So, I "right click" again and click on "Update Driver Software" – it said that the driver was "up to date".

I tried putting my USB into other computers (including my laptop). But it came up as "malfunctioned" OR "failed to install".

I've also tried turning the PC off from the wall and leaving it alone for 30 minutes. Doesn't work either.

I've also tried "uninstalling" everything that was listed underneath
Control Panel>Device Manager>Universal Serial Bus Controllers.

There is nothing wrong with my computer. I have another USB (exactly the same as the malfunctioned USB) and it worked perfectly.

I have Windows Vista (Home Premium, 32-bit Operating System).

What do I do?



Please explain step by step in simple language. I'm not very good with advanced computer stuff.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Lottiemansion

Hi,

Look at the drive with this software: -

SD Formatter 2.0 | Download | SD Memory Card | Digital AV | Consumer Products | Support | Panasonic Global

What will this software do? How do I use it to fix my USB?

Originally Posted by townsbg

It sounds like if it isn't working in other computers that just yanking it out damaged it.

MM.. Can you help me fix it, please?

Originally Posted by Lottiemansion

Hi,

If your USB device shows up in this software it can be re-formated & this will enable it to work again. We just need to see if it shows up first. OK?

I downloaded the software. When I open up "SD Formatter 2.0", my USB doesn't show up. In fact, nothing shows up. The "down arrow" button is greyed out.

I do not want to lose any of my documents on my USB.

Is there anything else that I can do?

I have now "uninstalled" "SD Formatter 2.0" from my computer.