Flash drives I have a Verbatim 4GB U3smart drive. I placed a file called my "Briefcase" on this drive. somehow it was deleted and I can not figure out a way to get it back. I updated the U3 Flash Drive via a Verbatim notice and not there is nothing on the drive except an icon of a blank disk. All the programs and my files are gone.

One of two things:
Either your flash drive/card has a hardware copy protect on it (usually in the form of a little tab) Just be sure that it is turned off.
Or
You've somehow managed to tick the "read only" box on your files. Highlight the files, right click, go to properties, and unclick the checkbox for "read only". This may have to be done as administrator.

I'm really opting for the first one, Most people don't realize that their card or stick has copy protection on it and wonder why they can't delete files.

If nothing else works, you can always use a software program called unlocker - http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml
It integrates into windows explorer and allows you to delete files in use, locked files, etc, etc.

Plug in the drive -go to my computer and find it right click and go properties - look for folder options -choose show hidden folders -- you will probably find a folder called( trash) delete it and you should get your space back

It has password protection. Open My Computer on your PC, insert the USB drive, open the password file, enter your password, then select the option to remove password protection from the USB drive. If this does not work, contact Verbatim for a solution, these USB flash drives have lifetime warranties.

It has password protection. Open My Computer on your PC, insert the USB drive, open the password file, enter your password, then select the option to remove password protection from the USB drive. If this does not work, contact Verbatim for a solution, these USB flash drives have lifetime warranties.

It has password protection. Open My Computer on your PC, insert the USB drive, open the password file, enter your password, then select the option to remove password protection from the USB drive. If this does not work, contact Verbatim for a solution, these USB flash drives have lifetime warranties.

Contact Verbatim for a solution, these USB flash drives have lifetime warranties!

Your SanDisk Cruzer appears on your computer as two drives

1. A CD-ROM ( with the icon of a Cd-Rom) that contains the U3Smart Operating system, but does not have any space for storage.
2. A mass storage device.

The two devices are labeled sequentially if CD-ROM is E, the mass-storage drive is F, but that is not guaranteed.

You should drop files on the mass-storage device, not the CD-ROM.

your problem can not be solved, u can only buy a new one

If the metal piece just came out of the plastic casing, you may try reconnecting it to the computer and see if it would be detected by the computer. If it's detected, back up all the files.

But if the metal piece broke off, sorry but there's no way to fix it.

Now, you may look for a Data Recovery Center near you. The Data Recovery Centers are computer shops or stores that offers data restoration, back up or retrieval.

Hope these helps and have a great day!

Some flashdrives have a locking device on it so you cant add or delete check to make sure that is not locked