You cannot access a locked Sony USB hard disk drive in Windows Vista

Windows Vista does not recognize a locked Sony USB hard disk drive. Therfore, you cannot access the drive.

This problem occurs because the USB device sends an incorrect status code to Windows Vista. Also, the device sends no additional sense code information before the device is unlocked. Therefore, Windows Vista does not recognize the device.

To resolve this problem, contact Sony to obtain an approved Windows Vista firmware upgrade.

For information about your hardware manufacturer, visit the following Web site: Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

To work around this problem, unlock the Sony USB hard disk drive before you try to access it.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.