This 1.44MB USB floppy disk plugged into my 5 year old Windows 8.1 computer without using the data CD that came with it. Some time later, while the computer was detecting new hardware, Windows Explorer added floppy drive A: removing and replacing the floppy will NOT result in a new read, which is expected based on some other comments I've read here. Turn off the floppy drive, wait a few seconds and turn it back on, THEN inserting the floppy worked every time I tried. About the fact that some floppy disks are unreadable - this shouldn't be too surprising. The construction and design of floppy disks was based on much the same theory as cassettes - synthetic media onto which a metal powder was sprayed. Like cassettes, floppy disks deteriorate from day one, and the Grim Reaper of single-use consumer media draws closer every time you actually USE a product. Handling, dust and accidental magnetization, for example near a speaker, also play a role. I plan to only plug it in when I need it and keep it in a box in a cool place when I don't need it. It may not last forever, but what can you do? For what it's worth, it works and works well.
Sony External MPF88E UA 181
8 Review
๐พ Toshiba PA3109U-1FDD USB External Floppy Disk Drive
8 Review
Memorex 1 44MB Floppy Discontinued Manufacturer
6 Review
๐ฅ๏ธ Nice2MiTu 3.5" USB External Floppy Disk Drive: Portable 1.44 MB FDD USB Drive for PC Windows 10 7 8 XP Vista Mac Black โ Plug and Play Convenience (1P)
10 Review
18 TB External HDD Western Digital WD Elements Desktop, USB 3.0, black
95 Review
8TB Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive with Data Recovery Services
56 Review
๐ Seagate Expansion 3TB Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive (STEA3000400) in Black
60 Review
2 TB External HDD ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Blue
55 Review