Copying problems with USB Flash Drives

Hi

I would be grateful for help with this problem.

I have just inherited a Lenovo computer from my stepson who has gone abroad to work.
The OS is Windows 7 x64 Professional. Service Pack 1.

When I try to copy files from a Flash Drive (memory stick) to the hard drive the copy proceeds satisfactorily to about 20% to 50% of the progress bar and then stops. I then get an error message telling me 'the item can no longer be found in this location'. When I then check the flash drive in Windows Explorer I find an empty folder.

I then eject the flash drive and reload it and now find that the contents show again in Windows Explorer.
Further attempts to copy to the hard drive result in the same problem. I get the same result using different flash drives by a variety of manufacturers.

When I open Device Manager I find that 'PCI Simple Communications Controller' has an error flag against it.
The Information Box for this device says : -

'The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28)

There is no driver selected for the device information set or element.

To find a driver for this device, click Update Driver'

When I try to update the driver, Windows fails to find one.

Is the lack of this PCI driver the cause of the copying problem with the USB flash drives?
If not then what is?

I have installed all outstanding updates and the update system now says 'Windows is up to date'
but the problem persists.
The former owner of this PC cannot help. He says he didn't use flash drives so never noticed the problem.

Many Thanks
TonyR