Nikon D3100 not connecting to computer?

I have an acer laptop which runs windows vista. I keep trying to upload photos from my nikon d3100 via the usb cord but the computer does not recognise it. It is the usb cord that came with the camera, and fits perfectly both ends. The camera recognises that it has been plugged in, as it stays on and doesn't automatically switch off.nothing appears at all on the laptop, and there's absolutely no trace of the camera being connected whatsoever, even in device manager. I have downloaded a driver specifically for my camera but the computer won't run it, and my laptop is too old to support the new memory card so i can't do it that way either.

any ideas? I really need to upload some pictures!

This is why I dislike technology so much, when I upgrade a camera - the camera is the heart of my technology equipment, I upgrade my computers too, just so everything runs smoothly, I only upgrade every 10 years because of the heavy costs associated with keeping up to date.

You told us very little about the computer - just the hardware manufacturer - we don't know what operating system or version it is running. The next time you connect the camera and put it in CPC" mode (read the manual), assuming you are running some flavor of Windows, using the Start button, go to Control Panel and locate the "autoplay" function. Set the desired behavior.

Any consider replacing the USB cable. They are inexpensive - and it is possible the USB cable is the issue. And try a different USB plug.

Do NOT replace the USB cable. Spend the money on a USB card reader for SDHC cards. Put your card in it, plug it into a USB port on your computer. Problem solved. Throw all those cables in the trash where they belong.

Just had the same problem. Make sure the camera battery is charged

I agree with stan l - buy a USB sdhc card reader. It will make transferring pictures much easier.

These are not expensive things to buy: http://www.amazon.co.uk/...007JCP89K/

I doubt you will find a replacement cable at that price and the card reader will be easier to use and more reliable.