if it is a 2 or more gB in size it may be a FAT issue, as FAT cannot address large files.
this can happen by adding one more file, takes it over the size limit.
you need to convert your computer to NTFS and it may then see the flash drive.
Your computer needs to be NTFS to see the large hdd, and to use files larger than 2 gig. Same with the external.
Fat32 to NTFS
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you can change the file system with out losing the data
To Check your hard drive, flash drive or external hard drive do this. They ALL need to be NTFS to handle today's large size hardware.
Open my computer, right click the drive >properties. In the pop up it will say FAT or NTFS in the file system. If its FAT you need to change it to NTFS to handle large files and drive sizes.
On XP click start >help and support >type in convert.exe to read about it.
Do it in this order:
1, Open my computer> right click the drive >properties >tools >check now >tick both boxes to clear the disk of any errors, then:
2. defrag the drive (tools)
3. Enter the convert command like this:
say the usb drive is F:
Click Start > Run > convert F: /fs:ntfs /v /nosecurity /x
same for your C drive. (paste above and change the drive letter)
4. do a defrag again.
I have done this a lot and never lost any data. Just don't interfere or take risks. The biggest risk is a power failure while its doing it. It doesn't take long. If you find it doesn't do the conversion, then run Chkdisk to fix errors then try again
