Introduction

Briefly explain the problem: USB is detected, but files cannot be accessed, a common Windows issue caused by file system errors, driver issues, or corruption.

Step 1: Check if the USB Has a Drive Letter

• Press Windows + X → Select Disk Management
• Look for your USB drive
• If it has no drive letter, right-click → Change Drive Letter and Paths → Add → Choose a letter → OK
• Try opening the USB

Step 2: Run Windows Error Checking

• Open This PC
• Right-click your USB → Properties → Tools → Error Checking
• Click Check → Repair drive
• Wait for the process to finish, then try opening the USB

Step 3: Run CHKDSK Command (Repair Corrupted Files)

• Press Windows + S, type CMD, right-click → Run as administrator
• Type the command
• chkdsk E: /f /r (Replace E: with your USB drive letter)
• Press Enter and wait for CHKDSK to repair errors
• Open your USB again

Step 4: Reinstall USB Drivers

• Press Windows + X → Device Manager
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
• Right-click USB Mass Storage Device → Uninstall device
• Remove the USB, then reconnect it → Windows will reinstall the driver automatically

Step 5: Check if the USB Shows RAW Format

• Open Disk Management
• If the file system shows RAW, the USB is corrupted
• Recover data using:
  • Recuva (free)
  • EaseUS Data Recovery
  • MiniTool Power Data Recovery
• After recovery, format the USB: right-click → Format → NTFS/FAT32

Step 6: If the USB Shows 0 Bytes / Hidden Files

• Open Command Prompt (Admin)
• Type:
  • attrib -h -r -s /s /d E:\*.* (Replace E: with your USB letter)

• Press Enter → This will make hidden files visible

Step 7: Additional Tips

• Scan the USB with an antivirus
• Avoid removing the USB while files are in use
• Always safely eject USB