Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Sorry, but you are most likely out of luck. I have 20+ years experience in what is called firmware or embedded programming that deals with the lowest levels of understanding both hardware and the programs that control it. I also had a FLASH drive "die" and did extra research myself, but couldn't get my files back.

Most of the FLASH drives consist of a single device (IC/chip) and contain the storage and the I/O circuits (Input/Output). Those that don't would pretty much require expert servicing to determine what, if anything could be done.

If you cannot access the device at all, there are only a few things to try.

1) Fairly obvious is to try another computer. This can deal with multiple problems, but these are two possible causes:
a) blown fuse in the USB port (typically limited to 0.5 to 1.0 amps), or possibly a worn/dirty connector.
NOTE: Do check the FLASH drive and the USB connectors for contaminants like dust, hair, or pocket lint that would prevent a good electrical connection, or metal (foil, wire) that would cause a short circuit.

2) If you use a USB hub that does not plug in with a power cord, it may have an overload of devices connected, and simply does not have enough power to run everything at the same time. Try disconnecting some of the devices, (may need to, or want to reboot the computer), then try your FLASH drive again.
It is possible that an overload could exist without blowing the USB port's fuse inside the computer.
NOTE: There is usually a fuse for each individual USB port, so simply trying another computer port should get around a blown fuse. The unpowered hubs can only spread the limited power between their output ports, and several devices can take too much, and taking some off the hub could help.

Another possibility is that the FLASH drive may not have had the file(s) and the directory completely written before the drive was unplugged. Your operating system might require a "safely remove hardware" command, (like EJECT), to complete writing the file and the directory into the FLASH drive before it is OK to unplug it. If this is the problem, the file(s) *might* be in the drive and could be recovered by a professional data recovery service, or a special utility to get past an incomplete directory.

Also, the driver for the USB device or FLASH drive *might* have been corrupted in your computer by a virus or other malware, or even a hard disc flaw, and reinstalling it would work (refer to item 1 about trying another computer). NOTE: Different size and different manufacturers FLASH drives may not use the same driver, so even if another drive works, the driver for the other could be bad.

If you had the FLASH drive in your pocket, perspiration or moisture may have gotten into a sensitive spot. Try putting it in a warm (not hot) place for a day or so to allow it to dry out, then try again.

In the "old days", semiconductor devices were sensitive to static electricity. Newer devices have built-in protection, but it *can* be overpowered by extra-strong static electric discharges. If that caused the problem by damaging the "chip", even microsurgery on the device might not be able to get your files back.

Best of luck to you!

P.S. I personally would NEVER, EVER put any electronic component in an ordinary ZIPLOC bag (like step 7 recommends for a hard drive). I would only use an anti-static bag.