this is a problem with the N-10, if are under warranty send it in, they will replace the c-board. the problem will duplicate itself later again, it happen to my unit but now it is out of warranty and they want $230 to fix it. I told the guy that I can get a newer md-recorder for about $330 with probably better technology. I also told the Sony minion that I was no longer going to purchase a Sony product. It doesn't matter if you format your hard drive and do a clean install the problem will replicate itself. Is not your computer the software or the cable its the device (n10) the driver its installed properly but it will only show itself when the device is detected. I have this problem present itself to me 2.5 years ago.