Here we are almost 20 hours later... Yes it is really strange that in Widows Explorer the Fascinate sd card shows as a cd drive with drivers on it ...but if you wait, it switches to just a 'removable device'. Still the same problems (please insert disk) even after the DCIM folder shows. after many hours of frustration following all the advice on both this forum and Verizon Fascinate, I called Verizon Support. Hour and a half later, they said it is a known bug and Samsung has no ETA on update to fix software. Doesn't happen to every one. Recommended workaround is to insert sd card in computer (need to hit Walmart tomorrow for adapter) . Or use VCast Media Player. Loaded Vcast to PC and phone, copied a couple of videos (very slow). Tried to open the videos on PC, had to sign into Verizon acct, which crashed whenever I tried to play the video. Not to mention I think the pics go to VCAST lala-land server or something vs. my PC where I want them.
SO MY WORKAROUND WAS:
1) I went to my son's PC (Windows 7), attached phone and connected perfectly (did take 3 tries). I clicked Autoplay popup option "import pictures" - an option that didn't show on my pc.
2) Copied pics/video from his PC to USB flash drive
3) Copied pics/video from USB flash drive to my PC (Vista)
And they call this a "Smart" phone?????? I was lovin' it before today. ARRRGGG