Solved TCell USB 3.0 16Gb flash drive will not show up in my computer

[socrgy9]

it still shows in My computer, however it is grayed out. i plugged it into all the ports on the mobo IO panel and it changes the drive letter to G: but still grayed out and asks to insert a device into drive G:

 

[VistaKing]

Can you right click inside computer and choose Format ?

 

[socrgy9]

i can, but it still wants me to insert a disk. also, i tried to eject it and it gives me some error along the same lines. i also went to properties and it says 0GB used which i know is wrong because i put the files on and then never got to wipe them off.

i'm real sorry, i'm not trying to be difficult. this is exactly what it's doing...its so weird!! that's why i keep posting pics...because i'm not BS'ing you LoL

 

[VistaKing]

Try this

:ar: JetFlash Online Recovery

Or this

:ar: http://www.ghacks.net/files/SuperStickRecoveryToolV1-0-2-19.rar

 

[socrgy9]

rrrrgg!! you won't believe this, but neither one of those options were able to recognize the drive was plugged into the computer.

 

[VistaKing]

I have sent a PM to Brink to see if he could lend a hand .

 

[socrgy9]

thanks! i really appreciate the help. i've just never seen something like this. and i don't want to throw away a great flash drive until i've exhausted all possibilities.

 

[Brink]

Hello Colin,

This can sometimes happen when the USB flash drive is trying to use a drive letter that has already been used and reserved. As a test, try changing the drive letter of the USB flash drive again, but before you do, check using OPTION TWO below to see what drive letters you have reserved on the PC. Afterwards, change the letter to one not listed.

It may not have worked before if K had already been used and reserved.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/82994-drive-letter-add-change-remove-windows-7-a.html
​

 

[jumanji]

In some cases formatting with HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool v 2.2.3 was successful.

If all else fails, try that.

You can download it here: Download HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool 2.2.3 Free - Windows-based Format Utility for HP Drive Key or DiskOnKey USB Device - Softpedia

It is a .exe file.

Please plug out all external storage devices to avoid selecting a wrong drive.

Plugin only your problem pen drive.

Right click on the .exe file and run it as administrator.

Check that the correct pen drive is selected.

Format.

Close the tool, safely remove the drive and plug it in again.

Let us know how it went.

 

[socrgy9]

neither one of the suggestions has worked. sorry guys. i changed the drive letter to Z because i know i've never used that.

the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool wouldnt recognize the flash drive was even installed.

 

[jumanji]

I would think that your pen drive is dead - the memory chip.

Anyway, I shall try the following before giving up.

1. Low Level Format:

Download Windows Executable (works without installation) of HDD Low Level Format Tool version 4.25 from HDDGURU: HDD LLF Low Level Format Tool run it and low level format the pen drive. Make sure to select the correct drive for formatting. If low level formatting is completed successfully, do a regular format in Windows Disk Management.



2. Format with a dedicated Partitioning Utility:

Download MiniTools Partition Wizard Home edition, install it and try to format your pen drive.

Best Free Partition Manager Freeware and free partition magic for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Windows XP 32 bit & 64 bit. MiniTool Free Partition Manager Software Home Edition.

If both these fail, I have nothing else to suggest.

 

[socrgy9]

well, i guess my flash drive is dead. neither one of those programs would recognize it was plugged in either. that's disappointing! i literally only got to use this flash drive about 5 times total, that is, putting data on and taking it off.

thanks for all the help. some computer parts just dont want to work LoL

 

[Brink]

I'd hate to say, but it does sound like the USB flash drive is dead.

Was it dropped, or got hit with a static or electric charge?

Depending on how old it is, you might check it's warrantee for a possible replacement by the manufacturer.

 

[socrgy9]

no, i've babied this thing since i got it. never dropped or exposed to static. doesnt look like i can return it unless its within 30 days of purchase. these things really aren't that expensive anymore. i'll be buying another one, but definitely a different brand.

thanks for all the help!