If your USB flash drive (pen drive) is showing errors like “No Media,” “0 Bytes,” or “Unable to Complete Format,” this guide will help you repair it. We’ll cover step-by-step solutions, including firmware reinstallation and physical troubleshooting.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

• This process erases all data on the USB drive. If you have important files, consult a data recovery specialist first.
• Some methods require technical skills. Proceed with caution.

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🔍 Common USB Flash Drive Errors

• “No Media” detected
• “0 Bytes” capacity
• “Windows unable to complete the format”
• “Please insert a disk into drive”
• Write-protection errors

These issues often occur due to corrupted firmware or damaged storage controllers.

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🛠️ Method 1: Fixing USB Drive Using ChipGenius & Firmware Flashing

Step 1: Check USB Status in Disk Management & CMD

1. Open Disk Management (Win + X > Disk Management).

• If the drive shows “No Media,” proceed.

1. Open Command Prompt (Win + R > type cmd > press Enter).
2. Run these commands:

   diskpart  
   list disk  

• Identify your USB drive (e.g., Disk 2 with 0 Bytes).

Step 2: Identify USB Controller Using ChipGenius

1. Download ChipGenius (official site).
2. Run ChipGenius and detect your USB drive.
3. Note the:

• Controller Vendor (e.g., USBest)
• Controller Part Number (e.g., UT165)
• VID & PID (if available)

Step 3: Download & Flash Correct Firmware

1. Google your controller model (e.g., “UT165 firmware download”).
2. Download the firmware from a trusted source.
3. Extract & run the flashing tool (e.g., MPTool).
4. Click “Update” to reinstall firmware.
5. Replug the USB—it should now be detected properly.

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🔧 Method 2: Fixing USB Drives with Unknown Controllers

If ChipGenius doesn’t detect the controller, try this:

Step 1: Physically Inspect the USB Drive

1. Disassemble the USB drive (carefully remove the casing).
2. Locate the controller chip (usually near the USB connector).
3. Note the chip model (e.g., FC1178).

Step 2: Download & Flash Firmware Manually

1. Search for “[Chip Model] firmware” (e.g., “FC1178 firmware”).
2. Download and run the flashing tool (e.g., FC1178 MPTool).
3. Enter VID & PID (if required).
4. Click “Start” to flash the firmware.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Standard USB drives (with separate controller & storage chips) can be fixed this way.
• Micro USB drives & SD cards have integrated controllers—this method won’t work.

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💡 Alternative Fixes if Firmware Flashing Fails

1. Try a Different USB Port/PC (sometimes a driver issue).
2. Use DiskPart to Clean & Reformat:

   diskpart  
   list disk  
   select disk X (replace X with your USB number)  
   clean  
   create partition primary  
   format fs=fat32 quick  

3. Use Third-Party Tools:

• HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool
• EaseUS Partition Master

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📌 Final Thoughts

If your USB drive shows “No Media” or 0 Bytes, firmware corruption is likely the cause. Using ChipGenius + MPTool can fix most issues. For physically damaged drives, professional recovery may be needed.

💬 Questions? Drop them in the comments!

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📌 Tags:

USB repair, fix USB no media, USB 0 bytes fix, flash drive recovery, USB firmware update, corrupted USB fix, USB not detected

📌 Hashtags:

#USBFix #FlashDriveRepair #NoMediaFix #TechTutorial #DataRecovery #USBTroubleshooting #WindowsTips

Sneha Rao

Sneha is a hardware reviewer and technology journalist. She has reviewed laptops and desktops for over 6 years, focusing on performance, design, and user experience. Previously working with a consumer tech magazine, she now brings her expertise to in-depth product reviews and comparisons.

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