Quick Answers
There are a few common reasons why a memory card may not read in a computer:
- The memory card is damaged or corrupted
- The memory card format is not compatible with the computer
- There is a problem with the memory card reader or slot
- The memory card is not properly inserted or connected
- The memory card is locked or write-protected
- The computer needs updated USB or card reader drivers
Memory cards are a convenient way to store and transfer photos, videos, music, and other files between devices like cameras, phones, and computers. They come in formats like SD, microSD, CompactFlash, and others. However, sometimes a memory card may not show up or be accessible when inserted or connected to a computer.
There are number of potential causes for a memory card not reading, ranging from problems with the card itself, incompatible formats, issues with card readers or ports, driver problems, or incorrect setup. Fortunately, there are also a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to get a memory card recognized again.
Check for Physical Damage
As an initial test, carefully inspect the memory card for any physical damage or corruption. Look for scratched contacts, bent pins, cracks in the casing, or other signs of dropped or mishandled cards. If the card has any physical issues, it may not make proper contact or get detected when inserted in a computer.
Also watch for any error messages about the card needing to be formatted when inserted. This can be a sign of file system corruption that prevents recognition. You may need data recovery software to rescue files off a damaged card before reformatting.
Try the Card in Another Device
To rule out a damaged memory card, attempt to use it in another device like a phone, camera, or different computer with a card reader. If the card fails to work in multiple devices, it likely has hardware problems or corruption. You may need a new card or professional data recovery in severe cases.
Confirm Compatible Card Format
Another common factor for memory cards not showing up in a computer is having an incompatible or unsupported format. For example, trying to use a microSD card with a SD card adapter in a computer that only has SD slots. Or using an older card formatted in FAT16 in a newer machine that requires FAT32 or exFAT. There can also be issues trying to use cards over 32GB in older readers.
Check the Card and Computer Specs
Start by checking the specifications for both your memory card and computer. The card should state what format it is on the label or in technical details. The computer manual or card reader documentation should indicate which formats are supported. Make sure they match up.
Reformat the Card If Needed
If the card format is not compatible, you can reformat the card to a supported file system like FAT32 or exFAT using a camera, phone, or special formatting tools. But reformatting will erase all data on the card, so be sure to transfer any files off of it first!
Try a Different Card Reader or Port
The card reader or port/slot where the memory card gets connected on a computer is another potential failure point. Damaged card readers, flaky USB ports, or malfunctioning card slots could prevent proper contact or communication.
Test the Card Reader
If your computer has multiple card reader slots or inputs, try inserting the memory card in another one. For external USB card readers, attempt to use it on another computer. See if the card shows up with a different reader.
Inspect the USB Port
Carefully look over USB ports you are connecting card readers to for any signs of damage, broken pins, debris, or looseness. Try plugging the card reader into another USB port to isolate further. Faulty USB ports can prevent recognition of devices.
Check for Card Slot Damage
For memory card slots built directly into a laptop or device, inspect for any obvious damage like cracked plastic or bent pins inside the slot. If damage is present, you may need service to replace the card reader. An external USB reader can work around a damaged slot.
Reinsert and Replace the Card
One simple issue that can prevent a memory card from reading in a computer is improper insertion. The contacts on the card must make solid connection with the pins in the card reader for communication. If reseated firmly and still not recognized, the card reader slot itself may be dirty or damaged.
Remove and Reinsert the Card
Eject and remove the memory card, blow out any debris in the slot, then reinsert the card fully until it clicks and locks into place. This will ensure it makes proper electrical contact. Double check it is oriented correctly for the slot direction.
Try Another Card in the Slot
To confirm a bad reader slot, attempt to use a different memory card that is known to be working in the problem slot. If the slot fails to read another card that functions in other devices, then the card reader slot itself may need cleaning or replacement.
Check for Write Protection
Memory cards have a small switch on the side that can toggle write protection on and off. If switched on, the card becomes read-only and cannot be formatted, written to, or modified. This prevents accidental erasing but can also stop the card from being recognized.
Look for a Lock Switch
Carefully examine the memory card for a small sliding tab or roughed corner on the housing. Switching the tab position or covering the lock area enables or disables write protection. Make sure the card is not locked.
Run Diskpart in Windows
To check a card’s write protection status on Windows, open the command prompt and run the command “diskpart”. Then at the diskpart prompt, type “list disk” to display connected disks. Check if the problem memory card shows as Read-Only under the Status column.
Update Drivers and USB Controllers
Outdated drivers for memory card readers and USB hubs can sometimes lead to non-recognition of inserted cards. Updated software helps ensure proper communication between the hardware and operating system.
Update Reader Drivers
First, check for any updated drivers available for the specific make and model of memory card reader, whether it is internally integrated or a separate external drive. Install the latest driver from the manufacturer or pre-included with your operating system.
Update USB and Chipset Drivers
Also look for updated motherboard chipset drivers from your computer manufacturer that could improve USB controller compatibility. Keeping USB drivers up to date helps maintain support for connected devices like card readers.
Use Disk Management in Windows
Disk Management is a built-in Windows utility that lets you view all connected drives. It can help identify detection issues with memory cards and even try to resolve them in some cases.
Open Disk Management
On Windows, hit Start, type “disk management”, and press Enter to launch it. You can also right-click the Start menu and select Disk Management. This will display all recognized disks.
Check if Card Shows Up
With the memory card inserted, look for it in the Disk Management list. If visible here but not in Explorer, you may just need to assign a drive letter to the volume so it registers globally in Windows.
Troubleshoot with Diskpart
Disk Management also lets you access diskpart commands for troubleshooting. You can use diskpart to clean, format, or create new partitions on a memory card to attempt making it readable.
Try Recovery Software
If a memory card still fails to show up or read in a computer after trying the above steps, data recovery software is one last option. It can scan for lost partitions and recover readable data from a seemingly dead card in some cases.
Scan with Recovery Apps
Insert the problem memory card, don’t format or initialize it. Then run advanced recovery software like Recuva or Disk Drill to read, scan, and extract recoverable files from the card. A deep scan may find lost partitions.
Extract Recoverable Data
Even if the file system is corrupted, recovery apps can sometimes read raw data off the memory card. This lets you extract and back up readable photos, videos, documents, or other files before the card gets discarded or reformatted.
Conclusion
Memory cards refusing to show up or read when plugged into a computer can be frustrating. But the issue can usually be resolved by checking for incompatible formats, faulty hardware connections, or software faults. Updating drivers, trying different readers and ports, reinserting the card, toggling write protection, and running disk utilities can often get a memory card recognized again.
In worse case scenarios of severe physical damage, data recovery software provides a last resort to extract readable files before reformatting or replacing bad memory cards. With some persistent troubleshooting, most memory card problems can be corrected to regain access to your data and get the card functioning again.