Hi, I have a (Verbatim, if it matters) USB drive which previously worked with Linux just fine. However, since then I have formatted my drive, and it currently has no partitions on it. I would like to not use a cd to test out Salix, and to use Unetbootin with my USB to install Salix. However, when I plug in my USB it does not mount. Running sudo fdisk -l only gives my hard drive, and neither Gparted or Unetbootin can find it. I'm currently running Xubuntu 9.10, if it matters.

Try using disk utility you can mount ther , it'll ask for password.
They have commands but I don't know them.

It's under System>Administration tab in Ubuntu

You cannot mount a drive without a FS(file system) on it. Partion it, put a file system on it, and then you can mount it.

Disk utility does not find it either. I essentially can not mount it or partition it.

[quote}...then I have formatted my drive,[/quote] What as? FAT32, EXT2, EXT3...? What did you format it with?

You have to partition the disk before formatting each partition. (OK, so you may only have one partition which would be the whole disk) Then, as per lazlow, you need to put a file system on it. Most Distros will do this when you install without having to resort to command line stuff.

Have you checked whether the system even acknowledges it's plugged in? Run before plugging it in then again after. What's the difference?

Play Bonny!

I'll run that command when I get a chance. I'm pretty sure the system isn't aware the USB exists. Also, I don't remember what I was doing at the time, but I appear to have left only unpartitioned space. I'm not too bright sometimes.

pseudotsuga

Usually after hours of searching we find out that we missed the simplest, most basic, thing. It is just human nature.

True

When you installed os did you enable "mass usb storage" module.