SD card reader does not function once removed from Computer running Vista

Question

The SD card reader does not function when I remove it from the system, have to restart the computer to make it detect. The CD/DVD device does not detect media in the drive.

I have an SD card from my camera in the card reader. When I put it in it creates a drive like its designed to do. My problem comes when I remove the SD Card  and put it back in again or to put in another card the drive DOES NOT reappear.  It only reapears when I reboot the PC.

Any idea whats causing this and how to resolve it? If it helps to offer additional information my CD/DVD drive on occasion will not detect media in the drive.

Answer 1

****Hi JSHollis,

• Do you safely remove the SD card from the system or unplug it directly?

• Did you make any changes prior to the issue?

Try these steps and check the result.

Step 1: Remove SD card reader safely.

1. Open Computer. Click Start, click Computer.
2. Right click on the SD card drive icon and click Eject.
3. You should see safely remove hardware notification.
4. Once you see the notification, unplug the SD card.

Step 2: Run Microsoft automatic troubleshooter to find and fix CD/DVD device errors.

1. Visit the following website: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cd_dvd_drive_problems
2. Click on "Run now" button and save it on the desktop.
3. Open the downloaded file and run it successfully.
4. Restart the computer and check the difference.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Syed - Microsoft Support.

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Answer 2

Do you know when this problem began?  Try a System Restore to a point in timeBEFORE the problem began.  Here's the procedure: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-windows-vista-system-restore/.  Be sure to check the box to show more than 5 days of restore points.  If the first attempt fails, then try an earlier point or two.  NOTE: You will have to re-install any software and updates you installed between now and the restore point, but you can use Windows Update for the updates.  Use the recovery disk if the system prompt doesn’t work. The recovery disk works a bit different from the above procedures but if you follow the prompts from the System Restore menu option with the above information you should be able to restore with no problems.

If that doesn't work, try a clean boot  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135.  If the problem goes away then it's just a matter of tracking down the culprit causing the problem.   Follow the procedures in the article.  Once found, delete, remove, deactivate, or uninstall it.  Once done be sure to reset Vista back to normal status as explained in the procedures. If the problem occurs in clean mode then just restore the system to normal status and reboot - this solution is not going to work.

I hope this helps.  If not, we'll try something else.  Keep us informed.

Good luck!

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Lorien - MCSE/MCSA/Network+/A+ --- If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.

Answer 3

Hi JSHollis,

Are you simply removing the SD card once you have finished with it or do you click the 'safely remove hardware and eject media' button in the notification area? I often wonder whether these problems are actually caused by the card reader itself. I for instance have a built in card reader in my machine but when I insert the SD card nothing happens - well not until I move the SD card slightly then, I presume, it makes the correct contact and windows recognises it. 

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John Barnett MVP: Windows XP Associate Expert: Windows Desktop Experience: Web: http://www.winuser.co.uk ; Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org ; Web:http://vistasupport.mvps.org ; Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com