It was working just fine.

Now, when I boot, it takes a very long time to load /dev.

I used to be able to mount drive like this:

# mount /dev/sdc1 /mnt/usb

Now, I get this:

mount: you must specify the filesystem type

When I give the file type, I get the message that the system can not find sdc1.

# mount -t vfat /dev/sdc1 /mnt/usb
mount: special device /dev/sdc1 does not exist

But it used to find the special device with no problem.

Judging on the message you get it looks like your partition is damaged or removed. There's a big chance your hard disc has crashed.

To save your data, try to mount your partition as a read-only device:

mount -r -t auto /dev/sdc1 /mnt/usb

And save all data on it to a good hard disc.

Last remedy:

If mounting still doesnt work, make sure you got dosfstools installed and check the fat32 partition as following:

dosfsck -f -v -y /dev/sdc1

*In most cases dosfsck fixes software errors, but if it really is a hardware problem all your data on that disc can get lost! Use it at your own risk.

I got it fixed. I am not sure exactly what fixed it. I booted to an unbuntu live cd, did an fsck - errors were found. I reseated the smart media, rebooted, and it worked.