computer killing flash drives?

[buzzard21]

Check and see if the USB port is using a single cable or multiple cables to connect to the MB if it is multiple cables it is possible that they are connected incorrectly which can cause voltage to go to the wrong part of the flash drive normally meant for devices that require charging like phones.
 
If it is a single cable your guess is as good as mine.

 

[The Napkin]

yeah, I'm gonna have to ask you to dumb that down a bit...
I can probably figure that out but I can't shut the computer down for a bit (it's attached to a piece of equipment that is in the middle of something) so won't be able to get at it until probably morning. Thanks!
 
The same port has worked without issue (for years) in the past if that helps at all?

 

[buzzard21]

If it has worked fine in the past with flash drives it most likely isn't wired incorrectly, not sure what it would be beyond that.