Windows 10: Unable to eject ANY usb drive that's plugged into my laptop

I've been having this problem for quite some time. I have searched for solutions and NOTHING works. Every time I plug a USB device into my Windows 11 laptop, it won't let me eject it when I'm done. It keeps giving me a warning that it's in use and can't be ejected. It is NOT in use. Everything is closed. There are no windows open and nothing is accessing it. I've attached a screenshot of the error I'm getting.I've finally gotten so fed up, that I'm posting this question here in the hopes that someone can provide a solution.Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. I'm just going

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ejecting a usb drive in 10

Hi Walden,



I realize the inconvenience you are experiencing with accessing Safely Remove and Eject Media USB icon on the taskbar.



To assist you better, please provide us the below information:

• When you say that "not I can not get it to show up in bottom right lower", are you referring that you are not able to see the Eject USB icon under the show hidden icons?
  

I suggest you to follow the steps below to understand the system

1. Click on Search bar.

2. Then type "Select which icons appear on the taskbar" without the quotes in the search bar and click on it.

3. Turn on Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon.

Reply to us with the information, so that we can assist you better.



Please get back to us with an update on issue, we will be happy to help.



Thank you.

 

Unable to eject USB

Well I don't have any other suggestions other than to look over W10 Tweaker's post and check in the drive properties that Quick removal is ticked.

BTW does this happen with all drives or just a particular USB drive?

 

Removing a USB drive without 'ejecting' first

Hello,

Normally I eject a USB drive within Windows 10 before unplugging the hardware. I once understood garbage can be left behind when not ejecting first.

Sometimes ejecting don't work because Windows says it's in use (for no reason according to me). In those cases I shut down Windows or I unplug the USB drive without ejecting first.

• Is this garbage being left behind in Windows or on the USB drive?
• How can I remove this garbage afterwards?

Thanks in advance

SJW