If this unit came from HSN (most did) then their specs show that it needs xp .. but their video claims it works for vista as well .. actually it depends on which model you have .. the FS-C1-VP . runs only on XP and below .. model FS-C1-Vp-BX2 .. has software to run on Vista and below .. Model FC-C520-VP-Bx2..runs on anything including vista and doesnt require software .. it just looks like a Mass Stroage Device when you plug it in .. these all look like a nice little machines for slides and negitives .. you might try unplugging the device .. reload the software (if you have any) ... then reattach the unit (to a different port) .. still problems then the USB port may be going into current limit .. you can try a different USB port (maybe one at the back of the computer) or better yet use a port expander with its own power supply .. make sure you dont have other USB devices that might be drawing current from the same USB source device (ok with the expander) .. if that doesnt get it going then if it came from HSN you can call their customer service number .. 800 933 2887 ... your item number would be 320-712 ... if the port expander or other suggestions fix it then let us know ..

it sounds like the unit is just drawing more current than your USB port can supply .. that happens a lot with large USB memory sticks (8gb or more) .. they are getting very close to or even exceeding the spec on the port .. some USB ports can do it others just shut down .. the external port expander with a power supply will almost always fix that problem and they dont cost much .. they are kind of nice also because you can put the expander ports within easy reach.