Bootable USB always returns, "Missing Operating System"

[Razor23259]

Hello, Forum.

I have this HP USB, a literal lifeline, as it's my only tool for fixing my computers. It's 4gb, and I've used it mercilessly over the past few years. But, not I think I broke it whilst experimenting. I was testing out a ported version of the Chrome OS for Chromebooks, called, "Chromium FLOW (OS)". This worked well on my new laptop, so everything was fine. After this, though, the flash drive was permanently split into two partitions. After a few days, I was able to mend it with the Linux Mint disk utility (which is notably more reliable that GParted), but now it doesn't seem to boot anything.

Here we go; two separate computers, three different .iso's, and using both Unetbootin and the similar program that came with Linux. A lot of variables.

OS's(.iso)
Linux Mint 12 64-bit, no codecs
Ubuntu 12.4 desktop
Lubuntu 12.4 desktop

Computers tested on:
Dell Latitude D630 (years old, test computer now)
Dell Inspiron 15 (four days old)

I think the flash drive is broken, or at least rendered unbootable. My Xbox 360 doesn't even recognise it. Anybody know how to set it back to normal? And don't say "Format it!", Because today alone, I've done that at least thirty times.

Thanks for answering.

[Danko8321]

Hello, Forum.

I have this HP USB, a literal lifeline, as it's my only tool for fixing my computers. It's 4gb, and I've used it mercilessly over the past few years. But, not I think I broke it whilst experimenting. I was testing out a ported version of the Chrome OS for Chromebooks, called, "Chromium FLOW (OS)". This worked well on my new laptop, so everything was fine. After this, though, the flash drive was permanently split into two partitions. After a few days, I was able to mend it with the Linux Mint disk utility (which is notably more reliable that GParted), but now it doesn't seem to boot anything.

Here we go; two separate computers, three different .iso's, and using both Unetbootin and the similar program that came with Linux. A lot of variables.

OS's(.iso)
Linux Mint 12 64-bit, no codecs
Ubuntu 12.4 desktop
Lubuntu 12.4 desktop

Computers tested on:
Dell Latitude D630 (years old, test computer now)
Dell Inspiron 15 (four days old)

I think the flash drive is broken, or at least rendered unbootable. My Xbox 360 doesn't even recognise it. Anybody know how to set it back to normal? And don't say "Format it!", Because today alone, I've done that at least thirty times.

Thanks for answering.

Chromium FLOW most likely destroyed the partition table (Chromium FLOW or you, I don't really know) or simply rendered it incompatible (Apple Partition Map, GUID or something like that) with your Xbox. Mint is obviously recognizing the drive (and don't you dare say no after 30 reformats! ) so open up Disk Utility and use "Format Drive" instead of "Format Volume". That should let you choose the Partition Map (make sure you choose Master Boot Record and not some of the things I listed back there) and then choose the format of the new single partition (I would choose FAT since it is for the Xbox as well) and hit apply. That should get it going. Post back if you have any Issues/Questions.

Cheers. Danko.

[usbtux]

From GParted Click on the external hard disk (sdx), Click on New Partition Table, At the warning click Continue.
Again click on the active drive area or partition information to highlight the partition, then click Partition, New. Make if FAT32.

[Razor23259]

Thanks, guys. It helped; I had the Xbox format it. Anyway, it's now recognised by the Xbox, and can play videos again. Plus, it even boots now. Fixed my brother's laptop.

But, something weird; for some reason, my week old Dell Inspiron won't boot from the USB. The bootable USB drive works, I'm certain, as it worked on the other two first try. But the new Dell won't recognise the USB as being there on the 'One-time boot menu'. Any suggestions?