They come with some files and programs on them. You can delete them and then they are o.k.
DonM

since I have only MACs, I was not able to easily delete the U3 stuff. I did take it to a friend's PC and although I had to download a newer program (the uninstaller), I was eventually able to delete the U3. There is a bug where the U3 installer, if it sees other slots (even if no device in 'em, such as as a multi-slot card reader), the uninstaller fails.

I had to go thru some hoops on this friend's PC, but I finally got rid of the U3 stuff - and now that stick works OK on my S900.

I have 2 San Disk cruzers with the U3 that do not work on my Tyros, though I have not tried downloading the uninstaller that Jim mentions. Glad I read the post and will try to get rid of the remaining U3 stuff.

The U3 sticks are also troublesome on my VR3 FM transmitter that I use to play music in the car over the FM radio. Sometimes they work and then just cut out. I also occasionally have trouble with the store brand Best Buy sticks I have ( both of them with no U3 ). None of my other sticks give me any problems at all.

There are enough inexpensive usb sticks out there that don't have the U3 system. I'd recommend staying away from the ones that do, unless you don't mind the extra work in downloading and using an uninstaller.

AJ

AJ, I use SanDisk Cruzers without problems..of course I do not own Yamaha products, and mostly use the USB drives with computers..
I do use only SanDisk SD cards and Compact flash cards with all my other gear..G70, and Fuji cameras etc..

I use PQI pen drivers (4GB and 8GB) and Kingston 4GB without problems.
Chico