When trying to read a memory stick today, one of our computers wouldn't recognise it, saying no device connected.

On looking further, we found that nothing appeared to be working any more. Earlier in the day it had been working fine.

When we go into Device Manager nothing appears in there.

Has anyone got any ideas what we can try?

Any help gratefully received.

Just noticed that you need to know the o/s. - XP Home

You can try this fix from Microsoft. http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;311504

SYMPTOMS
When you open Device Manager, no devices appear in the list. Instead, a blank window appears.
CAUSE
This behavior occurs if the Plug and Play service is turned off (disabled).
RESOLUTION
To resolve this behavior, set the startup type for Plug and Play to Automatic. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type services.msc, and then click OK.
2. Double-click Plug and Play.

If you receive a Configuration Manager message, click OK.
3. In the Startup Type list, click Automatic, and then click OK.
4. Close Services.
5. Restart the computer.

If that doesnt work, try this fix.

Step 1.
=====
Download AproposFix.exe:
http://swandog46.geekstogo.com/aproposfix.exe

Step 2.
=====
Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode by pressing F8 on the keyboard repeatedly AFTER your BIOS loads and BEFORE Windows starts to load.

Step 3.
=====
Log into the account where the files you downloaded are on the Desktop. It should be an account with Administor privledges.

Step 4.
=====
Double click on AproposFix.exe and extract the files to your Desktop. Open that folder and double click on Run This.bat and follow the instructions. Restart the computer once you are prompted.

Thanks very much. I will try it now. : )

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

Thank you sooo much. : )

Worked on the first option.

Glad we could help.