In MTP mode, you are communicating in a virtual mode through Windows Media Player, allowing, among other things, secure WMA transfers. As communication is handled in packets, the safely remove option is not needed.
The downside of communications issues with MTP is that you must check communication while in this mode as well, as the driver package is separate from MSC. In the Device Manager, you will see the Sansa under Portable Devices.
If you are having a charging / communications issue (look at the charge icon on the Sansa when connected), the same uninstall, then cycle the connection, method applies.
If cycling the connection does not prompt a driver reinstall, uninstall again, then reboot the computer before plugging in again.
µsansa
