SDHC and card reader dv2500t Any advice?

I know that there has been some discussion recently about if the built in card reader on the dv2500t can read SDHC cards or not. However, I am certain (100%, without a doubt) that my SDHC card was working on my dv2500t's integrated card reader. When the card was new and the computer was new, about 3 weeks ago, I tried it out and said to myself "Oh cool, it really does work." However, now it is not working. What has changed? Well, I formated the card in the camera, did a clean vista install, installed service packs and software, and thats about all that I can think of. So far I to fix the problem I have tried:

1. reinstall card reader driver
2. reformat card (4GB - fat32)
3. drop back to original install off of recovery disk (true image saved my original install)
4. low level format the card in the camera
5. reformat card (16 bit fat)
6. used a flashlight to physically inspect the pins inside the reader, nothing appeared awkward

Unfortunately, nothing has helped. Whenever I put the card in the card reader nothing happens. No messages, no blue light, nothing. The card reader can still read my xd card without problems, and the SDHC card still works in the camera. I think I have tried everything there is to try but if is there anything anyone else can think of I am more than open to suggestions.

 

Let Vista look for an upgraded Ricoh card reader driver. Vista detected mine automatically and now it can read an SDHC card. You can also connect your camera directly to the laptop and download it from there.

 

Thanks kanehi for the response. My biggest fear when I have a problem and ask for advice is silence. At least now I know that others can actually read SDHC cards in the ricoh reader. Kinda felt like I had dreamed the whole thing. What did your computer do before you had the updated driver? Would you get a blue light when you inserted a SDHC card?

Well I scanned for updated driver through Vista and it found nothing new. Now I am worried that it could be more serious. Any other tips?

 

What brand of memory card do you have and exactly what model is it? For instance if it is a SanDisk card is an something like an Utra II, ExtremeIII, or standard blue label?

You may simply need an update for your card reader. But it does seem like there are very few laptops even modern ones that will read SDHC. Usually if it does not say SDHC it is not truly SDHC capable. Now SDHC cards can still function in a reader but you'll have odd issues like say if you have 400 pictures on an SDHC card you'll only be able to read 200 because the architecture is different than what the normal card reader is built to deal with.

The problem is that these internal card readers tend to be made of cheap parts and thus their performance and reliability has a very high degree of variability. External readers always work the best.

 

It is a standard blue label Sandisk 4GB SDHC card. The computer did read this card before. And I do have an external reader but it is nice not to HAVE to carry it with me when I go on trips, especially when the computer has one built in.

 

XD cards come in type M and type H cards. They are different animals than SD cards are.

First off, where did you buy the card from?

Here are some trouble shooting suggestions:
Is the lock switch off? Simple, but make sure it is.
Can you actually take pictures?
If you insert it into the external reader are you able to drag and drop files to it? Can the external reader even read the card?
Can you read the card with the camera connected directly to the laptop?
Do you have another SD card to try in the laptop's internal reader? Maybe a non SDHC Card with a capacity less th 2Gb?

Also when you format an SD card always do it in my computer or disk management. Use Fat32 and in Vista check the quick format option or you'll be waiting for a long time for it to finish.

 

Bought the card from Circuit City. The card is not locked and works fine in the camera and in the computer with the card reader. Right now I wish I had another SD card of any size o......... hold on.

I just realized that I do have another card to try. I have one of those dumb little 16MB cards that come with the camera. You know, the one that holds 3 shots. Just tried it. Nope. No joy. No blue light. Nothing. Well I guess it looks like its the card reader. Tried the tiny card in the eternal reader that I have. Yup, it works.
I had wiped out my instillation for an image that I had from an earlier date in hopes of finding an updated driver on the vista update. I am going back to a copy of my current install.

 

Man, this is really discouraging. The Vista driver update picked up nothing. And the SD slot is not working for any type of SD card. This dv2500t is only 4 weeks old. Is HP service really as bad as I have heard? How long do they take? Maybe I'll just suck it up and live with it until something else breaks and it needs service. Thanks y'all for your help.