I have two questions.

First the Background:
I recently purchased a 256MB SanDisk Cruzer mini storage device (AR0407ADB and SDCZ2-256). For some reason after about a week all the files mysteriously dissappeared. It will be recognized on multiple computers as a mass storage device (as it should), but some will show no files on it at all. Othe computers will simply say insert disk like it is a drive with no physical media.

Question 1:
I have heard of some others that have bought these drives from the on-campus bookstore having the same problem. Is there anyone else with these issues?

Question 2:
Does anyone know of a way that I can get the data off the drive?

Did you just unplug the drive from the computer without stopping the device in windows? I'm guessing you did. You're data is gone.

In the future, double click on the icon that pops up with the bubble that says "Safe to remove hardware" then be sure to select your drive and click the stop button, then ok. Wait until it says "safe to remove hardware" and your device disapears from the list.

one doesn't have to do that. I've had a 256 SandDisk for about a year now...never do that thing above..but I do wait until the light indicates it isn't reading or writing anymore. Though I will say, the above is the absolute safest way to remove them.

I'd try multiple machines, both USB 1.1 and 2.0. I don't know if that will help or not...but something to try.

Some of the cheaper memory chips used in some thumb drives, un-plugging the device without stopping it causes problems. I've done it with a cheap-o before, my newer drive without crappy chips, dosen't have that problem.

I've had that problem on occasion, too. I realized it happens when I have the key in one computer, remove it without stopping it, and plug it into another computer. Restarting the computer with the key plugged in fixes this.