flash drives & iPod not recognized

My PC runs Windows XP SP3. Starting a week ago, it stopped recognizing my flash drives (both Sony Microvault and SanDisk Cruzer micro) and my iPod. I have several external harddrives and it recognizes all of them just fine. My Device Manager indicates that the flash drives and iPod are working fine, but indicates that the drivers for them are disk.sys, drvmcdb.sys and PartMgr.sys! When I try to use Update Driver to set up the correct drivers, I get a message that the "current" incorrect drivers are the best ones and it won't change them! My Sandisk flash drive is password protected. It always lights up when I plug it in, and sometimes it says "initializing drive" but it never actually does and in a minute or so the light goes out on the drive.

I don't know if this is relevant or just a coincidence: the problems started after I uninstalled a windows xp update called desktop indexer (or something like that). One day that application self-installed and appeared in the lower right hand corner of my desktop, blocking out the quick-start icons. I had never asked for the application and had no use for it so I uninstalled it using the uninstaller from the Control Panel.

I have stuff I really need on the flash drives. I actually spent like 40 dollars for a driver update application that didn't help at all. Several members have said in past forum entries that similar problems can be caused by a virus on the flash drive. But it seems unlikely that all five of my flash drives and my iPod all got viruses at the same time?

Please -- HELP!!!

 

On April 24th, I described a problem I'm having with my computer running Windows XP SP3, i.e. that flashdrives (regardless of the brand) and my iPod are no longer recognized. Since then, I have spent hours on the internet at various tech websites and forums, including all the ones connected to Microsoft and Apple. The first thing I noticed is that there are thousands of people having exactly the same problem as I am: their flashdrives and iPods are not recognized by their computers. Some well-intentioned techies have suggested that the problem lies with the computers' USB ports. But, except for the flashdrives and iPods, in almost every case, all other types of USB-connected devices, including external harddrives, are working just fine.

The solution proposed by Microsoft at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925196 seemed the most promising. It involves a registry fix that deletes the lines that deal with the UpperFilters and LowerFilters registry values. Microsoft even offers a free download to perform the registry edit automatically. For the more experienced PC-users who like to get their hands dirty, Microsoft provides instructions so they can perform the registry edits manually. First I tried the download. When I tried re-booting I got a blue-screen. I was able to restore the computer to the last working system config, but there were a few extremely tense moments. Then I tried the manual fix. It did nothing to correct the problem, but at least it didn't make things worse.

So this is what I think is going on here. Some unnecessary "upgrade" that Microsoft recently automatically installed caused this problem on a whole lot of computers, and they don't know how to correct it. Until they figure something out that works, we just won't be able to access the precious data stored on our flashdrives or change the music on our iPods. But hey -- isn't it great seeing that iPhone icon in 'My Computer'? I might even get one of those things one day .....

Come on, Microsoft!

 

I'm having the same exact problems with USB devices suddenly not being detected. I tried Microsoft Support Article 925196, with the same Blue Screen Error. Restored to last known good configuration and was able to load windows, but thanks for the advice Microsoft. rolleyes

Let me know if you able to resolve the problem.

 

O.K. So I'm not alone. About two weeks ago I began to experience a similar problem: My computer (XP, with SP3) simply stopped recognizing/assigning a drive letter to all USB memory devices - flash drive, Ipod, and you can add my digital camera to the list. The devices all show up in the "Safely remove harware" tool, and show up in the device manager, but are not recognized beyond that. My other USB devices work: keyboard and mouse. I have spent hours researching suggested fixes, which are either not applicable (i.e. I can't reassign a drive in disk management, because the flash drive doesn't show up as a drive in disk management - it is there under the device manager however), or don't work (deleting the USB hubs and controllers and then re-booting; the microsoft suggested registry fix already mentioned here; etc.). I suspect that there has been some other registry/OS change that is causing this but I am at a complete loss. If anyone has had luck recently, I would be forever grateful!!!

Fishbonz

 

I'm having this same exact problem. I just did a huge virus fix, and completely removed Virtumonde from my computer. Since then I haven't been able to access any form of USB harddrive, and they won't even become visible when I try to manage them. In the toolbar, though, it gives me the option to remove the USB Drive. I'm thinking an infected file was removed, and is crucial to loading up USB drives. One other note, I don't think it's my USB ports that are broken, because Keyboard, Mouse, Game Controller, and all that still work. Any help on what to do would be nice...

 

Arconos, I think you're on to something. I too had a Vundo problem before this USB issue cropped up. If anyone out there has any thoughts, it would be most appreciated!

 

News Flash! I only thought I had performed an extensive cleaning of my system before coming to the Major Geeks Forums. Last night I followed Halo's suggestion and walked through every excruciating step of the "READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide". My USB issue has been resolved. Thanks so much!! I gathered from the logs that I had picked up a nasty variant of the Vundo virus which somehow altered the registry and was preventing my computer from using USB memory devices, including flash drives, iPod and camera. Everything works now.

I am holding my breath in case I have any other problems and I have saved the logs from all of the scans in case anyone is interested in looking at them.

Thanks again - I am not worthy!

Fish Bonz

 

Thanks Halo! I'm also able to access my USB drives now! I haven't got much to say, but If I ever need anymore assistance, I know where to look!

 

A month ago I described a problem I was having with my computer running Windows XP SP3, i.e. that my flash drives (regardless of the brand) and my iPod were no longer recognized. I spent hours on the internet at various tech websites and forums, including all the ones connected to Microsoft, trying to fix it.

I read with great interest the solution proposed by Halo, MajorGeeks Forum Administrator and Microsoft "Most Valuable Professional". Is Halo employed by Microsoft? The reason I ask is that it seems to be pretty much universally accepted that these problems are caused by Microsoft's Service Pack 3. Every tech guru seems to know this, yet Halo takes a "blame the victim" approach -- if you're having these problems then either you've downloaded pirated software or you're never bothered to take even the most basic care of your computer, etc.

From all the thanks Halo has received for solving the problem, it's apparent that he knows his stuff. But what's the deal with the mean-spirited arrogance? To paraphrase the Master's favorite quote: "There are 2 types of people in this world. Those who offer their help graciously and those who have serious ego issues."