Zero size problem in data storage devices

Sometimes USB thumb drives (pen drives) and flash memory cards become unreadable because they report zero capacity to the PC. In this case such devices can not be accessible by both an operating system and any software.

The USB thumb drive or a memory card can develop a zero size issue because of

  • dormant manufacturing defects,
  • electrostatic shock,
  • mechanical damage (especially bending of the memory cards).

How to verify the pen drive size

  1. On the Start Menu, right click "Computer".
  2. Select "Manage".
  3. "Computer Management" window will appear. In the right panel, under "Storage", select "Disk Management".
  4. Verify that your USB pen drive or memory card is listed and does not have a size of 0 in the physical device list.
Windows Disk Management screenshot

Still have questions?