Computer hiding my HDDs when I insert an USB

[thatwierdguy]

Hey guys

Sometimes when I insert a USB device into my computer it completely locks up my hard drives. I can't access C, F, G or whatever I inserted. Where the hard drives normally would be(under my Computer at the left side of the file explorer), there's just blank space. When I click on Computer it just loads forever never stops. And when my computer is in this state, it tends to freeze a lot. When I want to restart my computer, it freezes when I open the sidebar thing of windows 8. So I kinda have to force it off by holding the power button down.

I also can't open anything with any program. VLC doesn't open (I access the videos through a shortcut to some movies), Steam doesn't actually open anything (just loads a game then says I'm in game even though I'm still stuck at "preparing to launch DOTA 2").

As you can imagine this is extremely frustrating, so please help me. The problem doesn't disappear with time. The computer stays that way until I hold the power button in. So uhm, any tips?

 

[Mattios]

Can you try booting with only your boot drive plugged in, then plug in your USB and see if it works?

Also can you try a different USB? Does the USB work well on other PCs?

 

[thatwierdguy]

I tried booting with just C: and it still froze if I plugged something in. It also locks up regardless of the usb device. Does it with sticks and externals alike. So... It's probably worth mentioning that I have full access to the usb device if I restarted. It just locks up if I put something else in or I plug the usb in and out. Sometimes, if I leave the pc on for a few hours it freezes up too.

 

[Mattios]

Okay then it will be a problem with your OS or other software. Can you boot into safe mode http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/start-computer-safe-mode#start-computer-safe-mode=windows-7 and see what happens

 

[thatwierdguy]

Aww that sucks. What should I do in safe mode? Just plug some usbs in and out?

 

[thatwierdguy]

So I checked safe mode out, and I think it works. Unless I was lucky and the pc didn't freeze for some reason, I think the problem doesn't occur in safe mode. Sweet. So what now? Oh yeah happy new years

 

[Mattios]

Safe mode only runs important system files, no optional add ons so it isn't a problem with core Windows as such. Try running chkdsk C: in elevated command prompt.

 

[thatwierdguy]

I tried running chkdsk on an other pc once. Froze and screwed the pc up. I'd prefer not to do chkdsk if that's possible. Any other suggestions? Is there anyway my computer's event viewer might help? Since it logs errors?

 

[Mattios]

If it 'screwed the PC up' then there was something wrong with the PC. It is a well known procedure and you need to do it - unplug your data drives and if you lose anything it will be your OS and not personal files.

If your OS breaks when chkdsk'ing then it has just done you a favour by making you reinstall a bad installation.

 

[thatwierdguy]

Damn. Okay I will give it a try tonight. Thanks for your help man.