USB flash drive malfunctioned? No drivers?

Firstly, am new to this site so sorry if this has been posted before.

I have a problem with my USB memory stick. I was using it fine with no problem but now when i plug it in a bubble comes up saying it has not been recognised and has malfunctioned - when i click on the bubble it says unknown device and then when i click on that it says in device status box that no drivers are installed. How do I get drivers? Memory stick was free from an ICT company, laptop is a toshiba?

What do I do, memory stick has so much work on it that I need!

Please help me!

PS...
Am running XP, my other memory sticks work???
 
I have this issue sometimes with a SDHC card I use for readyboost in Windows 7 on my laptop.

I find that ejecting it via My Computer (right click the icon and eject) or from the "Safely Remove" hardware icon on the taskbar, and then re-inserting it solves the problem and its recognised again.

I sometimes have to do it several times though before it recognises. I'm sure there is an easier solution, but it works for me.
 
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