'try downloading another one of the myriad of cd live linux variations. odd the usb icon goes away. you checked the usb cord'

When trying it 30 times, I did check the usb cord, yes.I also tried a different usb port. I am out of town and only have one computer to try it on.I will try another usb cord when I find one.

I have seen similar behavior before, just not as bad. It is NOT odd that the usb icon goes away. This is how this process fails, when it fails.I have described this problem before, on this site. (see 'flashing is too hard') I am not the only one who has described this problem.

As a devotee of Distrowatch, I am well aware that there are other cd live variations. I will try some. Hopefully one will work, though Ubuntu is a fairly major distro.

Thanks for the suggestions.