With your media card in the computer, go to "Computer", open that and it should show the card listed in there. You can double click on it and open to see your pics and save etc.

Can you try it on another computer, and is it recognized there ?
You need to figure out first if it's the card or a computer problem.

System Restore shouldn't have any effect either way.

Shaxhome's suggestion is right though - see if it's recognized by the computer in Explorer first to determine if it's an issue with the computer or Windows Photo Gallery.
If it doesn't come up in Explorer, then try it on another computer.

This post was edited by kbarb on Tue, Oct 28, 14 at 11:00

I've tried several media cards.I went to "ciomputer"Clicked on any "removable discs" listed.Every card I have can't be bad & I have no way to check on another computer for the present,anyway.I've put cards in & out many times & nothing,nada.
Rose

Did you recently use the "Safe to Remove" utility located on the Notification Area? Did you try rebooting the system to remedy this concern? I ask as my prior Vista system would occasionally stop reading cards/thumb drives after using the utility. A reboot cured the concern.

DA

Ok, sounds like it's the computer.
As damcoy says, try rebooting and report back.

It must be my computer. .I've done everything suggested & card still won't register.Can I get a separate card reader ?
I might have to break down & replace my 7 year old dinosaur..I so love Vista's windows photo capabilities.
Thanks for suggestions.
Rose

A separate card reader that plugs into USB would be a good test actually.
You can get them for cheap on Amazon, Newegg, and Ebay.

[ If you're really thinking about buying another computer, I was going to say you might want to wait for Windows 10, as it will no doubt be an improvement over the confusing interface of Win 8.
(The version name of Windows 9 is going to be skipped)
But that is reportedly not going to be released until late 2015 .
So I'd make sure I was at least getting a free upgrade to Win 10 when it arrives. ]

One other thing that could have happened is that the cable connecting the existing card reader to the motherboard has come loose.

To fix that you'd have to open up the computer and check.
It's pretty easy, but sometimes the connection at the front panel, internally, is a little hard to get to. Not too hard to check though, and low risk as well.

If you can, when you're in there you could pull off the cable and reset it in case some kind of oxidation has messed up the electrical connection.

I had hubby take it apart.Everything looked OK.Now,would the separate card reader plug into my computer & do the job. ?I tried out a used computer that didn't have the card slots & guy gave me a separate reader.I didn't get around to using it.Guy at computer store told me that 1 of these days something will break on my dinosaur & I will be forced to change.Sad day!
Rose

I think you must have missed my second to last post.
There is no way to know - just try it.

I have had this happen more than once on both XP and Vista. In my case, the card wasnt seated quite right in the card reader. Give the card an extra push, and see if it will finally register in my computer, Good Luck.

I tried several cards.Pushed,twisted,took out & reinserted.Looked inside at wiring.Followed a You tube tutorial,all to no avail.Just stopped in & got a media card reader that plugs in & I'm back in business.
Now I can keep Old Faithful here for awhile longer!
Rose