Computer won't recognize my mp3 player

One issue that people experience with the Sansa Fuze player is that the screen turns white when they are trying to use it. If you experience this common Sansa Fuze MP3 player repair issue, you need to reset your player. Hold down the "Play" and "Power" buttons for about 20 seconds. The player should automatically reset.
MP3 Player Freezes

Another issue is that the player freezes. You may see lights on the player, but it won't do anything. Follow the below steps to correct this issue:

1. Use the above steps to perform a hard reset.

2. Turn the player back on, and slide the "Power" button upward.

3. Use the USB cord that came with your player, and connect it to your computer. Only connect your player directly to the computer. Don't connect it to a USB hub.

4. See if your computer recognizes that a device was connected to it. Or, look in "Devices and Printers" folder, and see if the device shows up in it.

If your device doesn't reset, and the computer doesn't recognize it, contact SanDisk for additional assistance. Or, you can attempt to repair the device yourself.
Repairing Internal Components

If your Sansa Fuze player is out of warranty, you can attempt to repair internal components. This is an "enter at your own risk" solution, but you may be able to fix the issue. If it doesn't work, or if you damage another component, you will most likely need to get a new player.

1. Shut off the device.

2. If you don't have one, purchase a case opener tool. This is a tool with an extremely small head that is used specifically for opening up small devices.

3. Place the head of the tool in the seam of the device, and rise up the faceplate. Do not do this forcibly, or you'll break the ribbon cable connected to it.

4. Remove the ribbon cable from the faceplate.

5. Examine the battery cable. If this connection is loose, your Fuze player won't turn on. Plug the connection firmly into the port.

6. Check the LCD screen connection. A loose connection here means that you can't see anything on your screen. Disconnect the cable from the port, and reconnect it.

7. Reattach the cable to the faceplate, and reattach the faceplate. Turn the device back on.

These Sansa Fuze MP3 player repair suggestions may not fix all issues. If your player is still not working properly, either take it back to the place where you bought it, or contact SanDisk for additional help.

References

Fixya.com, http://www.fixya.com/support/t4267400-sandisk_fuze_4gb_locked_lights_will_not

SanDisk, http://www.sandisk.com/products/sansa-music-and-video-players/sandisk-sansa-fuze

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Solve your MP3 Player Connection Problem.
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turning on to change modes is your problem. If it's completely dead you may need to replace it or refurbish it. Or if the battery is completely dead plug it in all day until you can get it to turn on. ONCE ON then you can worry about getting it to connect. Try this:
There are two connection settings in USB: MTP and MSC. For some reason MTP is the default, but it doesn't connect properly on all computers. Select MSC and plug the player in again, the computer will recognize sansa e250 but not show the driver just yet. It is installing recognition software (just basic drivers - nothing heavy) and it doesnt tell you what its doing until its complete. WAIT FOR IT. Once it is complete you will see both the sansa e250 and the removable memory slot in your "my computer" now you're good to go.

Yep - it's a sad thing. iPod docks have ruined many a good mp3 player. Download the Sansa Recovery Tool from Sandisk's website (make sure the Sansa is not plugged into the computer yet). Once the Recovery Tool is downloaded, connect the Sansa to the computer while holding in the REC button and continue to hold it even after th player is plugged in. It should go into Recovery Mode in 10-15 seconds or so.

-Tha Mp3 Doctor

you might not have turned the power on your mp3 player some of them require you turn them on

Reformat clip with disk utility after looking at it like an external disk. Do this by turning it off. Puting it in lock mode. Hold down middle button as you plug it in.

I am mad at my Clip as it did the same thing.

Screen shot here:
Sansa clip not recognized.

press the + for a couple sec then it a wizurd should pop that should work

The dinging sound is the USB port telling Windows that a device is connected, and does not necessarily mean that Windows recognizes a device.

Are you using Windows Media Player 10 or higher?

Download the Sansa firmware upgrader and install it first. Then, hold in the volume + button on your Sansa player and connect the Sansa to your computer (while it is in the OFF position). The computer will recognize the player after you continue holding the volume + button for 5-50 seconds. Restart your computer. You will lose all files stored on the Sansa, but it will work again.

Same thing happened to me... try this...
1) disconnect all cables
2) turn power on (hold menu button until screen lights up)
3) Press "menu"
4) scroll down to "settings"
5) scroll down to "USB"
6) select "MSC" (default is probably auto detect - which I think there's a conflict with)
7) turn power off (holding the menu button down)
8) connect USB to computer and hopefully start loading files

I bought 2 of the 512 models, one didn't work... so I took it back and had to buy a 2gig model... got home and it didn't work! I tried the above for the new one and at least the computer recognizes it! Everything seems to work fine...for now...