Cyn,
Generally the computer should recognize the Swimp3 Player just like it would a flash drive or thumb drive. Remove the drive from your USB Port, press and hold the RESET button for 4 seconds and then try again.
That will usually clear up any hiccups you're having with the swimp3 player.
Plug it back in and look in My Computer again. On my Windows PC with XP it pops up and asks what I want to do with the drive.
After Resetting, you may also want to try it on a second computer to see if it is recognized. If it isn't working then, it could be the electronics, and your gift giver can check with the place where it was purchased.
I hope this helps.
Michelle
Swimp3 by Finis Dealer