hmmmmmmm
Don’t rule out the AV as playing a part just because you don’t see it pop a msg. Some AV support a setting to run in quiet mode, doing it’s thing and never telling the user what it has done. Checking it’s logs can’t hurt.
Not being able to access R is reasonable if LaunchU3 doesn’t work.
Did you say if your Win 7 is 64-bit? I know with my U3 sticks I only need compatibility mode on the 64-bit machines. On the 32-bit Win 7 it runs fine.
What version of U3 do you have? I have 1.6.3.9.
There’s a link here to download the last version: http://forums.sandisk.com/t5/All-SanDisk-USB-Flash-Drives/FAQ-How-do-I-reinstall-the-U3-LaunchPad/m-p/156949#M3