Card Reader Disappeared?
#1
06-07-10, 06:46 PM
Card Reader Disappeared?
The memory card reader on my computer is no longer visible. Normally when I look at "computer" I could see drives C through I. Today I can only see drives C, D and E. The missing drives are all the slots of the memory card reader. How can I start narrowing down if this is a hardware or software problem?
My computer is a Dell i530-111B running Windows Vista. The problem started sometime between tonight and last night. There was no change in the problem after restarting the computer.
My computer is a Dell i530-111B running Windows Vista. The problem started sometime between tonight and last night. There was no change in the problem after restarting the computer.
#3
06-08-10, 08:13 AM
Does it show the USB hub that the reader is connected to?
If so...I'd just delete it in device manager and let it reinstall after a restart...
Make sure any connector cables are firmly seated also..
If so...I'd just delete it in device manager and let it reinstall after a restart...
Make sure any connector cables are firmly seated also..
#4
06-08-10, 08:36 AM
Group Moderator
It may have just failed. My SATA controller recently just failed on my MOBO. Which was a bummer because I thought my drive failed. 
Can only run IDE now. Stupid 80GB drive.
Maybe just pickup a USB card reader.
Can only run IDE now. Stupid 80GB drive. Maybe just pickup a USB card reader.
#5
06-08-10, 09:34 AM
Thanks for the tips. It's my home computer so it will be this evening before I can check.
My card reader has 2 USB ports. When I run a cable from the USB port on the card reader to my camera I can see the folders on the CF card but no files inside. When I use Windows Explorer I can see and copy the pictures so I think the USB portion of it is working.
My card reader has 2 USB ports. When I run a cable from the USB port on the card reader to my camera I can see the folders on the CF card but no files inside. When I use Windows Explorer I can see and copy the pictures so I think the USB portion of it is working.
#6
06-08-10, 11:38 AM
Have you tried doing the scan for new hardware? I think it comes up as an option on the right click of the device manager. If the PC just lost it then that might make it find it again.
#7
06-08-10, 11:42 AM
Scan for new hardware turned up nothing, and I don't really know what the card reader is called so I did not have luck looking for it manually.
#8
06-08-10, 01:56 PM
Thanks for all the help. I unplugged the card reader and plugged it back in and now it works. Probably just a loose or corroded connector.
Who knew fixing a computer would be like working on a 1960's British sports car.
Who knew fixing a computer would be like working on a 1960's British sports car.
#11
06-09-10, 04:41 AM
Never go anywhere without a buddy (in another car) and a hammer. The hammer to pound on the starter, solenoid and anything else that looked electrical and the buddy to give you a ride home.
