Problem with USB memory stick

[ricky2525]

USB Memory stick not recognised?
I have a USB memory stick with photos on it. My PC is running Windows XP and has 4 separate usb connections. I have tried the stick in all 4 but each time get the message "The disc in drive E is not formatted - Do you want to format it now?" It will not format if Yes is clicked.The drive is picked as drive E in My Computer. The usb stick works fine in my laptop but not this desktop. HELP ! - what is the solution since it means I have no usb connectivity on my desktop PC. Thanks in anticipation.

[mjwman]

Make sure you have the content stored then format the stick in your laptop. Format again on your PC - it should work this time.

[ricky2525]

Thanks for your prompt suggestion. Have just tried that but on my desktop PC the usb drive will not format. It comes up with the message "Windows was unable to complete the format" after trying.

[janzman]

I'm a great believer in this procedure....go back to the beginning ie..shut down your computer pull the plug out of the wall and then stick it back in ...now your computer will reboot and you can then use the advise from others as to how to retrieve your data

[mjwman]

Get a new stick........

[galeck1947]

This problem is not uncommon with usb connections in XP What you may have to do is go to the device manager and reinstall each usb connection from there. Service pack 3 was supposed to fix this do you have it installed? Try doing this and see if it works.