USB ports help...

My bro plugged in his USB hard drive into my comp a lil while back, and his was protected by a pass, he forgot his password and put it in incorrectly like 3 times, after that, none of the USB ports ( which u save ur work on) have worked in my computer, however my usb cable which links my phone to my computer ( to transfer files ) works perfectly, its just the usb drives which u use to store ur work..

the comp even recognises when i plug a USB in, but it doesnt let me open it from mycomputer or gain acces to my work at all..

If any1 knows how to fix this then any help wud be appreciated..guessin i need to tweak the settings? :S

Serious answers only thanks..