External drive, USB stick or memory card not recognised

It lights up but does not appear, asks to be formatted, or shows as empty. Do not format it: the files are usually still there.

Likely causes

• Cable or port. More common than a failed drive.
• Damaged file system. After being unplugged without ejecting.
• Failing drive. Slow, noisy or disconnecting.
• Broken connector. On USB sticks that have been knocked while plugged in.

Try this first

1. Try another cable, another port and another computer.
2. If Windows asks to format the drive, say no.
3. If it clicks or gets hot, unplug it and stop.

What it costs

A bench diagnostic is £54, deducted from the repair if you go ahead, and you get the price before any work starts. Data recovery starts from £79 + VAT. See data recovery. Send an enquiry, or see the price list.