If your SanDisk 128GB USB flash drive is not recognized on your computer, it can be due to various reasons ranging from software-related issues to hardware malfunctions. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and fix this problem.
1. Check the USB Connection
- Reinsert the Flash Drive: Disconnect the flash drive and reconnect it, ensuring it’s properly inserted.
- Try Different USB Ports: Connect the flash drive to different USB ports on your computer, preferably directly to the motherboard on a desktop PC.
- Avoid USB Hubs: If you’re using a USB hub, connect the flash drive directly to the computer to rule out hub-related issues.
2. Test with a Different Device
Determine if the problem is with the flash drive or the computer:
- Try Another Computer: Connect the flash drive to a different computer to see if it’s recognized. If it works, the issue may be with the original computer.
- Try a Different USB Device: Connect another USB device to the same port to ensure the port is functioning properly.
3. Restart Your Computer
Restarting can resolve many software-related issues:
- Restart the System: Restart your computer and then reconnect the flash drive to check if it’s recognized.
4. Check Device Manager (Windows)
Use Device Manager to identify hardware-related issues:
- Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
- Look for Errors: Check “Universal Serial Bus controllers” for any yellow exclamation marks or “Unknown Device.” If you find any, right-click and select “Update driver” or “Uninstall.” If you uninstall, restart your computer, and Windows will reinstall the USB controllers.
- Scan for Hardware Changes: Click “Action” > “Scan for hardware changes” to re-detect connected devices.
5. Update Drivers and Windows
Ensure your system and drivers are up to date:
- Update USB Drivers: In Device Manager, right-click on USB controllers and select “Update driver.”
- Windows Update: Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” to check for system updates.
6. Check Disk Management
Disk Management can help identify if the flash drive is recognized but not assigned a drive letter:
- Open Disk Management: Right-click the Start button and select “Disk Management.”
- Check for the Flash Drive: If the flash drive appears without a drive letter, right-click and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths.” Assign a drive letter to the flash drive to see if it becomes accessible.
- Look for Errors: If the flash drive is unallocated or has a corrupted file system, you may need to format it. Remember, formatting erases all data, so ensure backups if possible.
7. Check for Hardware Damage
Inspect the flash drive and the computer’s USB ports for physical damage:
- Examine the Flash Drive: Look for visible damage, such as bent connectors.
- Inspect USB Ports: Check for debris or bent pins. Use compressed air to clean any dust from the ports.
Conclusion
If your SanDisk 128GB USB flash drive is still not recognized after these steps, it might be faulty. If the data on the drive is important, consider seeking professional data recovery services. If the drive is physically damaged or doesn’t work on multiple devices, replacing it may be necessary. Always ensure you have backups of important data to avoid data loss in cases like this.
