Unreadable USB – USB Flash drive is a file storage medium that is widely used by people because. Despite its small size, it can accommodate relatively large amounts of data. It is also a cheaper medium than a Harddisk drive or an SSD.
It’s no surprise that USB drive is still one of the most widely used file storage media.
If you are a USB drive user and are having problems with your USB stick, for example, it is not being recognized by the operating system, then you are reading the right article.
In this article, we will list some of the methods we use to deal with an unreadable USB drive on a laptop or computer.
How to Fix Unreadable USB Drive
1. Clean the USB Port for the Unreadable USB drive
One of the reasons why an operating system can’t read or recognized a USB drive is because the USB port has accumulated dust or dirt.
This usually happens on laptops or computers that rarely use the USB port. Because of its rare usage, there could be a lot of dust stuck in the hole which eventually prevents the USB from connecting.
Try checking the USB port on your laptop or computer. If it looks dirty, then clean it immediately.
Be careful when cleaning the USB port, because carelessness will only make matters worse.
Use soft, non-destructive materials. You can use a tissue or cotton swab. And make sure that the dirt from the USB hole doesn’t get deeper into it.
2. Plug the Unreadable USB drive into another USB port
A laptop usually has 2 to 4 USB ports. For computers, it can be even more depending on the case and motherboard.
If your USB drive is unrecognizable in one port, then try connecting using another hole.
There could be two possibilities. First, if your USB drive works normally when you use another USB port on the laptop.
That means only the first USB port has a problem. While other USB ports are fine, so is your USB drive.
The second possibility is that your USB drive is still unreadable even though you have plugged it into all the available USB ports.
If this happens, chances are your USB drive is damaged.
3. Use a USB HUB
The next method that we usually use when the OS can’t read our USB drive is to use a USB Hub.
This is hardware that connects the USB and the computer. Some kind of extra cable.
You can try this method if you have done the two methods above, but the USB drive is still unreadable by the OS.
In addition, the USB Hub will also be very useful if your laptop only has a few USB ports. With this tool, you can connect more USB drives or other devices that use USB ports.
4. Use USB Drive on Another Laptop
As I mentioned above, there is a possibility that your USB flash drive is fine, but the USB port on your laptop is the problem.
To be sure, you can use the USB drive on another computer or laptop. You can borrow a work laptop or a friend’s.
If the USB is readable on another laptop, then it is certain that your laptop’s USB port is the culprit.
To fix this, you have to bring your laptop to a service center. Tell the technician that your USB port is damaged.
5. Use the “Computer Management” Feature
Usually, to manage the files on the USB, we use the built-in Windows file manager.
But we can also use CMD. You can use this method if the above tricks didn’t work for you.
So, if the USB is not readable on CMD either, then it is a sign that something is indeed wrong with your USB.
If that’s the case, then you can use the Disk Management feature. Follow the steps below:
- First, plug the USB drive into the USB port on your laptop or PC.
- Then open the RUN program by clicking the Start button > Type Run > Enter.
- In the Run program, type the command “compmgmt.msc” without the quotes, then Enter.
- Then the “Computer Management” window will appear, select the Storage menu, then select Disk Management.
- If your USB is not damaged, it will be detected as a new drive on the computer. Sometimes the computer will read your USB to 0 bytes, but that’s okay. The important thing is that the OS can still read the USB drive.
- Then right-click on the drive and select the “Create Partition” menu.
- Then select “Format” to format the USB so it doesn’t become 0 bytes anymore.
Caution: this will delete all the data inside the USB drive.
6. Using the HDD Low-Level Format Application
One of the most effective ways to fix unreadable USB on a laptop is the HDD Low-Level Format application.
We also use this method when after we use the USB drive to install the OS.
Because sometimes after using it for OS installation the USB drive is unreadable. This is where the HDD Low-Level Format comes.
Which is basically to format the USB drive to its roots.
With the condition that your USB is not physically damaged.
You can download the HDD Low-Level format application on the official website here.
7. Scan the USB Using an Antivirus Program
Unreadable USB because of the virus is a common thing to happen.
Especially if you are still using an older version of Windows, for example, Windows XP.
Then the virus will easily enter your USB, and the worst impact is that your USB is no longer readable.
So, that’s 7 ways you can do to deal with unreadable USB. Whether on a PC, laptop, or cellphone.
By using the 7 methods above, your USB will be usable again.
However, several of these methods can erase your data.
So read carefully and try it at your own risk.
