Troubleshooting Common USB Card Reader Problems

Computers are sometimes delicate little pieces of kit which don't respond well to being moved about, and may take offense to perfectly harmless pieces of software such as the USB card reader. The card reader has become a regularly used tool in the computer user's kit, but they can sometimes develop serious problems which prevent the cards from being read. If you have a USB card reader, then you have the additional problem that the port could be the device responsible for the problem. Troubleshooting problems with the card reader may not help you to fix the problem, but it can at least allow you to narrow down the causes, and that should mean that you will know how to find a solution.

Card Not Recognized

If the card reader is working (the power light is on, for example), but the card is not being read by the machine, then you should first check that the problem is not with the card. Try using the card in a different reader, or on a different computer, to check its usability. If the card is working, then you will need to check the card port for the reader, and make sure that it is not dirty. Check the USB port too, and look to see whether that is damaged in any way. If the card is still not working in the reader, then the chances are that the reader has electric problems, or some other cause of difficulties. You should replace with a new reader, or take the old one to be fixed.

Reader Not Recognized

If you are having trouble getting the computer to recognize the reader (it may prompt you for software, for example), then you should firstly check that you have installed the correct program for your reader. There are so many CDs for readers with the same basic name that you may have got confused, so check that the software and the reader are compatible. You may be able to get free software from the reader manufacturer. You should also check that the USB card reader is able to function on your PC model, if it doesn't meet specifications then you may not be able to use the reader on this computer.

Reader Has No Power

Most card readers have their own power light, which indicates to the user that it has a good electrical source. If your power light does not come on, you should check the cables. For readers that only plug into the USB port, you may need to take it out and plug it in again. Make sure that the computer has not frozen, and that the USB port itself has a power supply. If your card needs an additional power socket, make sure that this has been plugged in correctly, and that the cable is not damaged or broken in any way.