How-To Geek

@Xhi,

In a recent post you said, "If it is the device then it could be that the device has become damaged, perhaps by old age, or by pulling it out without properly releasing it."

Please elaborate on the "properly releasing" bit

Thanks, six

PS: not sure of the section here.

I think his question is reference my answer in this post http://www.howtogeek.com/forum.....?replies=4

Proper release of a device in a USB port is to eject it. Normally there will be a Safely Remove icon in the system tray to do the job. If not go to (My) Computer, Right click the drive and select Eject. This closes all files, the drive, and writes any information that may be in it's write buffer and not previously written. Most times this process is not needed, but it only takes once to mess up a drive.