Laptop does not recognize usb drive

If your computer does not recognize the USB device, first try method 1 to work around this issue.

Method 1: Initiate recognition of the USB device by using Device Manager
To initiate recognition of the USB device by using Device Manager, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type Devmgmt.msc, and then click OK. The Device Manager window opens.
2. Click to select your computer as the location for the scan.
3. On the Action menu, click Scan for hardware changes.
Windows XP recognizes the new device.
4. Close the Device Manager window.

If this method resolves the issue, you are finished.

If this method does not resolve the issue, go to method 2.

Method 2: Disable power management of the USB hub
Note If you perform the following procedure, you may also reduce the battery life on a portable computer.

Use this method if method 1 does not work. To disable power management of the USB hub, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type Devmgmt.msc, and then click OK. The Device Manager window opens.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click a USB Root Hub in the list, and then click Properties. The USB Root Hub Properties dialog box is displayed.
4. Click the Power Management tab.
5. Click to clear the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power check box, and then click OK.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each USB Root Hub in the list.
7. On the Action menu, click Scan for hardware changes.

Windows XP recognizes the new device.
8. Close the Device Manager window.

If this method does not resolve the issue, go to method 3.

Method 3: Restart the computer
To initiate recognition of the USB device, first unplug the USB device and restart the computer. Then, wait five to ten seconds before you plug the USB device into the computer or hub. Windows XP recognizes the new device.

If this method does not resolve the issue, you might want to review the articles in the "Similar Problems and Solutions" section, or contact Support. For information about how to contact Support, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus (http://support.microsoft.com/contactus)

This Microsoft Guide & fix it tool can solve your issue!
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925196