If it’s a new v2, the device may be trying to establish an MTP USB connection. If that doesn’t happen, it will get distracted from charging.
To resolve this, open a Windows Explorer window on your PC, by pressing [Windows Key] + E, or go to My Computer.
With the window open, slide the HOLD switch atop the e260 to the right (orange will be showing). I’m pretty sure your Sansa is OFF at this point; if it isn’t, press and hold the menu / power button for 15 seconde, then release.
Press and hold the << button down while plugging in to the USB port. Don’t release the button until the Sansa says “connected” and it pops up in the Windows Explorer window.
If all is well, you will see the Sansa as two flash drives, listed under devices with removable storage.
We have an MSC connection at this point, and the Sansa should be charging: look for a rolling battery icon, and a little lightning bolt.
Let the Sansa charge up for a few hours, if you see the lightning bolt.
Once the battery is charged, you can disconnect, and see if the device stays powered up. BE SURE to slide the HOLD / LOCK switch back to the left, or it will say “system shutdown”.
Turn on your new Sansa, and try navigating about. Select a few of the sample songs, and see how it plays.
The next step is simple: Go to Settings > Info and read the first line listed. You will need to upgrade firmware version 03.01.16 , provided that the existing firmware listing starts with an 03. So, what does it say? If your firmware is 03.01.11, you will most definitely need to update, as these devices do not have the USB mode option in the Settings menu.
IF you have a later version, you can check the USB setting by going to Settings > USB Mode > Auto Detect / MTP / MSC.
The next step will be to establish an MTP connection if you plan to use your Sansa with any files with DRM, such as Rhapsody, Napster, Audible, Overdrive, etc. If you don’t have protected media in your plans, all you will need do is update your firmware via this thread.
You’ve just learned how to connect your Sansa in MSC mode manually, allowing the update. Shut off the player, slide the HOLD switch, and connect while holding the << button.
The most likely reason your device did not charge in the initial plug-in was a break in the MTP pipeline. Media Transfer Protocol is the default connection method of a brand new e260v2, if it has the earliest firmware.
A few words regarding MTP: this Microsoft protocol requires a minimum of Windows XP and Windows Media Player 10 (WiMP11 is better). Otherwise, after switching to MSC mode, you can run your Sansa just fine!
Let us know if the issue is a lost MTP connection. We can go down that road next.
Bob :smileyvery-happy: