If the card reader does not see the memory card

Memory cards based on flash technology are now used universally. This way of storing information is much more convenient than other alternatives, which explains its popularity. Absence of moving parts, high speed of work, long service life is far from being a complete list of advantages of flash drives. Moreover, if the card reader does not see a memory card, then the first time in it is hard to believe. The main thing is not to panic and calmly try to restore working capacity. There are several reasons why the card reader does not see the memory card. In this paper we give their description and recommendations for elimination.

The card reader is a device through which it is possible to work with flash memory cards. It performs two functions: recording (including formatting) and reading information. Inside there is a controller and groups of sliding contacts. Card readers can be both internal and external. By the way, mobile phones that use memory cards also have their own card reader. Therefore, if such a built-in card reader does not see a memory card, then you need to look for the reason in it, and not in the phone.

Currently, the market offers a wide range of different types of flash memory cards: SD, miniSD, MMC, xD, etc. Among them, they differ in the number of contacts involved and their location, shape, speed and level of energy consumption. In some cases, the differences are more trivial - the dimensions. So, often using the simplest adapter you can use SD cards in devices for MMC. Unsurprisingly, users sometimes have to figure out why the card reader does not see the card. After all, the cards have their own characteristics.

One of the most common reasons why a card reader does not see a memory card is the incompatibility of standards. In the specification, any types of flash memory cards are always indicated to any card reader (even embedded). Unfortunately, the reality is that the instructions are almost never read. Many believe that if the card fits to the device's connector for reading, there will be no problems. This is not true. For example, at present there are two types of SD (Secure Digital) cards: standard SD with a maximum capacity of 2 GB and its advanced modification of SDHC (Secure Digital high-density recording). The capacity of the latter can be 32 GB. In terms of dimensions and location of contacts, they are identical! The difference lies in the mechanism of addressing memory pages: SD - byte, and in SDHC - sector. If you insert an SDHC memory card into the SD device , it will not work with it. Either it will not be determined at all, or there will be constant failures. Hence, if the card reader does not see the memory card, then you need to check that the device and the card are compatible.

When using the adapter (SD-MMC), you need to check the status of the contacts using a flashlight. Sometimes, even with careful use, the internal spring-loaded contacts in the adapter are "jammed" with the inserted card. In this case, you need to change the adapter.

If there are problems with the health on your computer, you should check the status of the BIOS settings. USB ports must be enabled (Enabled), and, if the function is provided, then into USB 2.0 mode. Also, if "Legacy USB" is present, then it needs to be enabled. In any case, when connecting the card reader to the computer, a safe extraction icon (for Windows) should appear in the system tray next to the clock. If it is missing, you need to temporarily disconnect the extra USB devices and check the card reader. And, finally, make sure it works on another computer. Perhaps, the device will have to be changed to a newer version.