what is it showing up as in your device manager? an unknown device, or with an error, or what?
see if you can't just double click it there and explore it, although it should be showing up as a usb device, just like if you plugged in a memory card or something similar (along the left side in the device list in a standard explorer).
are you letting it sit for a little bit so it can be fully recognized? or, plugging it in and unplugging it really soon out of frustration?
edit -- also, abrasive should be awake soon and can help with specifics