Thumb drive problems

[Axtman]

So the other day I needed to transfer some large files from my computer, so I got out my box of thumb drives. In my business vendors give me thumb drives with their product literature/specs. Years ago I used to get floppy discs, then CDs, now thumb drives. Anyhow I went through them and about 1/2 were dead (4 out of 9). What would cause a premature death? Also, these drives seem to be different brands.

Thanks!

[vene-nemesis]

The cheapest chinese manufacturing there is abailable.

[DigMe]

How old are they? Flash memory does have a limited life expectancy although it shouldn't be THAT short.

What kind of condition were they stored in? Probably what vene-nemesis said.

bc