The Sansa’s processor handles both the USB connection and normal operation. Sometimes, the device can simply freeze , making operation and connection to the PC impossible.
The solution to this issue is to perforn a soft reset of the device first. Slide the power switch to the ON position and hold it in this position for 30 seconds to reset the device. Release the switch, then try powering up as usual.
You should then be able to connect the device to your PC for access as well. If the device freezes again when first trying to power up, perform the reset again. There may be a file corruption that is freezing the player. After resetting, try the manual MSC connection method described (slide the switch to the lower “lock” position, hold the << button while connecting the USB cable). Once connected manually, you can check the device for errors using the PC,using the chkdsk utility,or by right clicking on the Sansa, select Properties, then the Tools tab, then select Check Volume For Errors.
microsansa
