Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Windows 10 doesn't recognize USB 2.0 flash drive

May 4, 2016 8:15AM PDT

New PC has Windows 10 already installed. At first my touch screen didn't work, my speakers didn't work, nor did my external HD or flash drive. I got everything up and running, except the 2.0 flash drive. It still works on my laptop with Windows XP, so I know it's not a hardware problem. I've been to both the Asus and Sandisk websites to check for drivers. Nothing helps. There's nothing crucial on the drive, but I like to move things from PC to laptop and visa-versa. Does anyone have a fix or suggestion for this?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Did you try this?
May 4, 2016 9:29AM PDT

Copy what's on the drive on the working PC then format it on the new W10 machine.

- Collapse -
RE: Did you try this
May 4, 2016 12:17PM PDT

Good suggestion, but the W10 desktop doesn't know there's a flash drive connected, so I can't format it

- Collapse -
Does it show in ????
May 4, 2016 12:20PM PDT

Device Manager?

Drive Management?

- Collapse -
Does it show in ????
May 4, 2016 12:23PM PDT

Doesn't show in Device Mgr or Mgmt.

- Collapse -
That's very very odd.
May 4, 2016 12:29PM PDT

OK, I have ideas but I can't seem to find out much about the new W10 machine.

Desktops have been notorious for front panel USB fails. So try the rear USB ports.

Also, some sticks have special decryption systems but I don't think that's in play yet as nothing shows in those 2 managers.

- Collapse -
That's very very odd.
May 4, 2016 12:38PM PDT

Thanks R.P., already tried all 6 USB ports around back; 2.0, 2.1 and 3.0. I don't even get the "detected new hardware" message. Also, I moved the external HD to each one as well, and it works on all ports. If I had any hair left on my head, I'd have pulled it out 2 weeks ago. If your anything like me, things like this drive me nuts, I hate to give up! Like I said, there's nothing crucial on the flash drive, I'll probably just pick up a new one and see what happens.

- Collapse -
That's not good news.
May 5, 2016 9:39AM PDT

I take it these sticks work on other PCs?

Also, I'm still not finding the make and model of the PC here. I can't check out if there is some USB issue or setting in a BIOS. But I respect folk's need for privacy.

- Collapse -
Answer
I would check with disk management first and...
May 4, 2016 9:32AM PDT

if it see the flash drive then it's probably not a driver issue. It may be file format thing.

- Collapse -
RE: I would check disk management
May 4, 2016 12:19PM PDT

Thanks Oldartq, but already tried that day 1.