My olympus fe-45 won't download pictures through

This is not a full solution, but you might try another USB cord or a new USB 'hub' or simply another version of photo transfer. I have had good results with SanDisk's 5 in 1 ImageMate card reader and accompanying software. Used Targus but it stopped working. Went back to SanDisk. USB is wonderful but there are so many access points for things to go wrong, including the jacks in your computer. Have just fought this through with a set of headphones which had worked great for over a year and then stopped. Fixed with a new 'mini-hub' and plug-in audio controller which replaces my sound card. Now can use USB connections on front of CPU and webcam finally works as well as headphones (much better music) and photo transfer. $25 well spent. Can return new headphones I ordered.