My flash drive doesn't show up on my desktop

Hi
All of a sudden my flashdrive does not appear on my desktop. It is plugged into my USB 2 socket on my iMac. Also, when I open disk utility, the application hangs. Is there anyway I can restore my flashdrive?
I think I may have unplugged my flashdrive before I ejected it!
Also, my imac would not shut down after my flashdrive had been inserted.
Hope someone out there can help.
Thanks
Phil
PS My flashdrive is a Sandisk CRUZER mini 512MB

Some USB devices have a nasty habit of sometimes not being recognised. I have found that usually this can be fixed.
Do not just plug it in and expect it to recognise it on the desktop. I know this will be a pain but turn your computer clear off, plug in the device and start your computer, I'll bet it will work then.
Also when you pull the USB from your computer scroll through your menu bar at the top and you will find that the USB device will show up in one of the icons and will allow you to safely remove it.
If you have been working along and decide you need to plug it in, chances are 70-30 it will not recognise it.
Several things can deternine this, The Operating System you have on your machine can be a factor.
I have an I-Omega Zip drive that will do this everytime.
I also have an older printer that will do it.
But like I said, If I plug it in and restart the computer it will recognise both of these devices.
Hope this helps. Don

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Hi,
If the drive is not showing in the list of bootable devices, you can be fairly certain that it has suffered a Hardware failure and will need to be replaced.
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****Click the White thumb to say thanks****
****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
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