Why won't my computer recognize my usb drive?

I have an Attache PNY usb drive and when i plug it in th usb port it says One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned and windows does not recognize it. I already called the company and the guy said a bunch of stuff i didnt understand... im not much of a computer techie. Can anyone help me? i even clicked the update driver thing and it said my drvier software for my device is up to date. HELP!!!! My homework is on this and i need it today ! The usb somehow works on my school computers, but not on my vista!!! Thanks!!