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.
๐พ Toshiba PA3109U-1FDD USB External Floppy Disk Drive
8 Review
Memorex 1 44MB Floppy Discontinued Manufacturer
6 Review
๐พ Revolutionize Legacy Data Storage with Gotek SFR1M44-U100: USB SSD Floppy Drive Emulator
8 Review
External Floppy Disk Drive - 3.5-inch USB Floppy Disk Reader, Portable 1.44 MB FDD, Plug and Play for PC Windows 2000/XP/7/8 - No Additional Driver Required
8 Review
Shock-Resistant Transcend StoreJet 25M3 USB 3.1 Slim Portable Hard Drive with 500GB Capacity
99 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
๐ Seagate Backup Plus Slim STHN2000400 2TB Portable Hard Drive - Black: Your Reliable External Storage Solution
93 Review