The problem of flash drive initialization on your device is not rare and can occur anytime, anywhere. Plugging in your device and seeing that nothing happens is a common sign of an issue with your media.
The drive may stop showing up for various reasons, including internal damage, wrong file system, partition issues, outdated software, etc. Users usually try to solve these problems by fixing the media themselves. However, if the failure was caused by faulty hardware, a USB port malfunction, or a dead controller, it is better to entrust it to professionals.
Common Causes for A USB Drive Not Showing Up
Corrupted or Damaged Drive
Often, the reason for flash drive inaccessibility is its end of performance. USB drive stops being recognized when its controller chip fails. A controller chip provides a connection between your computer and the flash drive, so when it malfunctions, the link terminates.
Incompatible File System
FAT32 and NTFS are the most common file systems that usually do not cause problems. However, if you are trying to use a non-compatible system, you may face some difficulties. To avoid a problem with your flash drive, you have to format it via a FAT32 or NTFS file system.
Conflict with Another Device
When having multiple devices connected to your computer simultaneously, issues with your USB drive may occur. We recommend unplugging other devices and connecting only the flash drive to fix the problem.
Issues with Drivers
Outdated drivers can be a reason for many problems, and flash drive inaccessibility is one of them. When your drivers are incompatible with the rules, your drive will stop being recognized. You can quickly solve the problem by updating your drivers.
If any of these causes prevents you from accessing your essential files, then our engineers can help you. However, there are several steps you should go through to prevent your data from being damaged.
What to Do When USB is Not Recognized
When dealing with a USB flash drive inaccessibility, the first users try to do is salvage the data themselves. Nonetheless, this case has various approaches, which can cause more harm than good.
Hence, before getting in touch with our experts, there are several steps you should go through. Mainly, you must ensure that the problem is with the flash drive and not your computer.
As we mentioned before, outdated drivers can be the reason why the flash drive is unrecognizable. So, by connecting your flash drive to other appliances or checking the drivers on your computer, you can understand the reason for this problem.
Another cause of this problem is a simultaneous connection, so by plugging in only the flash drive, you can see if the flash drive was the problem for inaccessibility.
If none of these solutions helped and the flash drive is not showing, we recommend unplugging the thumb drive and sending it to our recovery lab.
Do not try to restore your files or fix the flash drive yourself. Using data recovery software on your fragile device can significantly worsen the situation. Repair tutorials are not beneficial either, so entrusting your case to PITS Global Data Recovery Services is more promising.
Our Flash Drive Recovery Solutions
PITS Global Data Recovery Services provides flash drive users with professional recovery services. We deliver the highest level of recovery service and perform the recovery based on security standards. Facing files’ inaccessibility on your device can be severe, but our engineers are ready to help you.
Benefits of Working with PITS Global Data Recovery Services:
24/7 Emergency Service Availability
So if you're facing a data loss situation, don't hesitate to contact us. Our 24/7 data recovery services are available to you, 365 days a year. Let us help you recover your precious data today.
Over 50 Locations Across the US
We offer data recovery services from over 50 locations across the US. This means that no matter where you are located, you can access our services and get the support you need to recover the data.
Certified Data Recovery Laboratories
So if you're facing a data loss situation, look no further. With our certified data recovery labs and 99% success rate, we are confident that we can recover your precious data and get you back on track.
ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom
Our engineers work in a controlled environment to ensure the safety of your device. We recover data in ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom and achieve high results.
Risk-free Evaluation and Assessment
We start the recovery process with a risk-free evaluation. Our technicians estimate reasons for data loss and the level of damage. Based on it, we select the most suitable recovery strategy.
100% Customer Satisfaction Rate
With years in the data recovery industry, our company supports the highest customer satisfaction rate. We do everything to provide a positive experience for our clients.
Our company has experience working with various file systems, so whether your flash drive is running on FAT32, NTFS, or exFAT, we will restore the files. We will find the most suitable strategy to recover your data, and work based on it, keeping you up to date.
We start our recovery process with an evaluation to understand the reason for data loss. Based on the evaluation results, we determine our plan of action and do everything to restore lost files from the device.
Our engineers work on your device only in specialized facilities, including advanced lab and ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom. This way, we provide the maximum safety for your device, preventing it from any external damage.
PITS Global Data Recovery Services has supported a 99% success rate for years and aims to maintain this rate. With cutting-edge technologies, experienced technicians, and a vast network of locations, we are ready to help you with your flash drive inaccessibility. Start your case today with our experts by calling our customer service line or filling out the request help form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my flash drive not being recognized by my computer?
Several reasons can lead to a flash drive not being recognized, including a faulty USB port, driver issues, physical damage to the drive, or even a corrupted file system on the drive itself.
What are the common signs that my flash drive is not being recognized?
Common signs include no response when you plug in the drive, error messages like “USB device not recognized,” or the drive not appearing in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
Can physical damage cause a flash drive to not be recognized?
Yes, physical damage, such as a bent or broken USB connector or a damaged circuit board, can prevent a flash drive from being recognized.
How can I troubleshoot a flash drive not recognized issue?
Start by trying the flash drive on a different computer or USB port to rule out port or system issues. If it’s still not recognized, check for driver updates, use disk management tools (like Disk Management on Windows or Disk Utility on macOS), and attempt data recovery using professional software if needed.
Can data recovery be performed on a flash drive that's not recognized?
Yes, data recovery is often possible on a flash drive that’s not recognized. Specialized data recovery software can help retrieve data even from damaged or unrecognized flash drives. Seek professional data recovery services if software solutions don’t work.