Hi,

From the description, it looks like the USB Flash drives are not getting recognized on the computer.

I will require some information to try and resolve the issue in a better way:

1) Did you make any changes to the computer prior to this issue?
2) What is the USB driver status showing under Control Panel?
3) What is the make and model of the computer?

 

Perhaps, this issue might be resolved by running the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter on the computer.

Method 1:

 

I would suggest you to run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter for Windows 8 and check for the issue.

Note: Hardware and Device Troubleshooter checks for any issue on the hardware and devices connected to the computer.

Please refer to the link below:

Follow the section “Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter”.

 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/what-device-isnt-installed-properly

Method 2:

Uninstall and reinstall the USB driver for the computer.

a) Press Windows and x key on the start screen and select Device Manager.
b) Locate the Universal Serial Bus controllers driver.
c) Right Click on the USB driver icon and select Uninstall.
d) Restart the computer. After restarting the computer, USB driver will automatically be installed.

Connect the Flash drive through the USB and check if it responds.

Please reply us if the issue still persists.

Thanks for the reply.The computer finds the usb drive fine. I tried your suggestions but no luck. It looks like the " Create a recovery drive " program can not find the usb drive. I was able to make a simple backup on to a CD but would like to do the full recovery disk, if possible. When I run create a recovery drive the"copy the recovery partition from the PC" is checked so I assume it is there to copy.
My computer is a new Asus essentio, bought it last week.
Thanks again

Same problem. New Surface Pro does not recognize 32GB Lexar USB when creating recovery drive.
The only message is "The drive must be able to hold at least 8GB, and everything on the drive will be deleted." Next is greyed. Only option is cancel.
But Windows 8 Explorer treats the drive normally. Formats normally, stores documents normally, new files created normally. Two USBs were tried but the create recovery drive feature does not see either 32GB USB drive.

Same problem here with a 32GB SanDisk USB drive. Windows 8 treats the drive normally, but the Recovery Drive tool shows a grey (and non clickable) "Next" button.

Same problem here. Toshiba laptop and 16GB Sandisk USB. Formated USB. Can write to and read files using Windows Explorer.

I tried to plug it in another USB port and it worked.
Strangely, it didn't work on front ports of my computer, only on back port.

So no help with this from MS. I'm having this problem also.

How to Boot Surface from a USB Device in Windows 8 and 8.1

Some steps may only apply to Surface, but should help.

The fastest and easiest way is to:

1. From Shut Down

2. Press and HOLD Volume + or Volume Up button

3. Press Power button while holding the Volume Up

4. When Surface logo appears release the Volume Up

5. When the Surface Boots to the UEFI Screen Disable Secure Boot

6. Exit and Surface will reboot.  Push the power button on login screen and select Shut Down to get to the Shut Down Mode

7. Press and HOLD the Volume – or Volume DOWN Button

8. Press the Power Button while holding the Volume Down

9. When the Surface logo appears release the Volume Down

10. Device should boot from USB Device

11. After you are done to get rid of the RED Boot Screen

12. From Shut Down

13. Press and HOLD Volume + or Up button

14. Press Power button while holding the Volume Up

15. When Surface logo appears release the Volume Up

16. When the Surface Boots to the UEFI Screen Enable Secure Boot

17. Restore Default Security Keys

18. Exit

19. Device should boot up with normal screen

After HOURS and DAYS of research.  This is what I finally discovered.  First, the MS instructions to boot from USB device are WRONG and suck.  They do not mention disabling the Secure Boot.  Second, the MS instructions to get rid of the Red Boot Screen SUCK.  Could not even get the answer from them.  In fact, the answer they had was to repair startup, which DOES NOT WORK.  I finally found the info at http://www.myitform.com.

I had the exact same problem on a Dell XPS8700 running Windows 8.1.  No USB drives appeared for selection when trying to make a Recovery Disk.  "Next" greyed out.  I turned off McAfee security, and had the same problem.  I UNINSTALLED McAfee security, and the "Create Recovery Disk" process worked fine. 

Am going to use Windows Defender from now on.

I have the same issue. I can see the USB drive on the file explorer, i can format it, I can copy files, etc... but it doesn't show up on 'create recovery drive'.

I have a Kingston 32G USB Drive.