Windows 11 doesn't see MP3 player

I just got an inexpensive MP3 player. I have some music I want to load onto it. The music is on my hard drive on an HP computer. The problem is that Windows 11 doesn't see the player when I connect it. I've tried 2 different cables. It doesn't show up in Device Manager. I've tried connecting it to an entirely different Windows 11 Lenovo PC and that PC doesn't see it either. What could the problem be? I'm completely stumped!

Correction on the Windows version:

22H2 OS build 26200.9158 (HP computer)

Windows 11 Pro

Just another thought - the player has a slot for an SD card, which I have on order. Is it possible that the player won't work without an SD card? Obviously, I know nothing about music players. Could that be what's preventing the player being "seen" by either computer? TIA

Jaina said:

I just got an inexpensive MP3 player.

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Tell us the mp3 player model and manufacturer, so we can search for software/driver.

Jaina said:

I've tried 2 different cables

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Have you tried cables that you have proven to be able to carry data?
- Some cables can carry data and provide power to devices.
- Some cables can only provide power to devices.


Denis

Replies to the 2 above posts:

The player is an eBay special - listing says the name is "Support 128GB Bluetooth MP4/MP3 Lossless Music Player FM Radio Recorder Sports".

Sorry, I don't know the manufacturer. Except "Made in China".

Here's some info from the listing:
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eBay item # 287408045872
Item specifics
Brand
Unbranded
Bluetooth
4.0 supports bidirectional transmission
Advanced
Included (Recently Read Books, Markup, Autobrowse)
Recording format:
MP3/WAV
Size
90.5MM*39.5MM*10MM
Image browsing support:
BMP JPG format browsing
Model
MP4
WINDOWSXP/VISTA/WINDOW8
WINDOWSXP/VISTA/WINDOW8
Music playback:
support MP3, WAV and other playback
Net Weight:
about 31g
Recording support:
FM MIC recording, format support MP3 WAV
Maximum supported capacity:
128G TF card (not included)
Color
Blue

Seller's description:

The support 128GB Bluetooth MP4/MP3 Lossless Music Player is a versatile device that allows for both music playback and recording. With Bluetooth 4.0 support for bidirectional transmission, it offers seamless connectivity with other devices. The included advanced features like recently read books, markup, and autobrowse enhance the user experience. With MP3/WAV recording format support and a maximum capacity of 128GB TF card, this portable music player is perfect for sports and other activities. Additionally, the compact size of 90.5MM*39.5MM*10MM and lightweight design make it convenient for on-the-go use.

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The cable that came with it is, I think, only for charging. So, I bought a cable on Amazon that says it will do data transfers, etc. Didn't make a difference.

Do you think the absence of an SD card has anything to do with this?

Thanks for the replies. Let me know if you need anything further.

Jaina said:

With Bluetooth 4.0 support for bidirectional transmission

Click to expand...

Jaina said:

The cable that came with it is, I think, only for charging

Click to expand...

So it seems it is only designed for Bluetooth data connections.
Do you have bluetooth? Does your computer's bluetooth detect the device?

Jaina said:

Do you think the absence of an SD card has anything to do with this?

Click to expand...

I'm not sure.
The description implies that it has 128GB built-in as well as an ability to add a 128GB SD card.
Does it play anything now? Many devices come with sample tracks. Or you could try recording something and playing that back.


Denis

We have this product for sale. The description states: Built-in memory: 8 GB.

It should show up as a removable disk according to the guide on eBay.
I've got one of the original Sony Walkmans these devices are based on, 8gb storage, the design is so neat and simple. Shows up as WALKMAN in Explorer when plugged into a PC.
I'm surprised there's any onboard file storage at all at that price.

Is there any kind of settings or info page that shows onboard memory capacity and how much is used?



I do wish mine had a Life testing feature;

Further thought, those instructions are a little obtuse - "In the startup and shutdown state" - do they mean you have to turn the device off and back on when plugged into the PC for it show up? Have you tried that?
The Sony version completely shuts off any interaction using the controls on the device when it's plugged in to the PC.