Sansa e260, key locked

There's a slide switch on the top of the unit, near the headphone jack. Slide the switch away from the jack to unlock the unit.

If that doesn't do it, then the plasic piece under the switch is broken, and you'll have to open the unit to fix it.

Recovery Mode: download the update software and install then lock your sansa hold in the rec key on the left at the same time push the menu/power button this will take you to recovery mode then connect to the computer Start the update software if it doesn't start automatic go to /start /all programs /Sandisk/sansa updater/ sansa updater and start it up manually... follow instructions on the updater and the sansa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_95hLqZxCHc&feature=related
here is a link to a kid showing you how to go to recovery mode.
Update software from this link..
(http://mp3support.sandisk.com/sansa/Installer/1082/SansaUpdaterInstall.exe)
and install the software before you recover
Usb mode in settings MSC is best, Updater recognizes it in this mode

1: RESET: Go into the settings and scroll down to reset all, push center button, scroll to yes, push center this will restore factory settings.....
2: Reset All
NOTE: THIS IS AN ADVANCED OPERATION AND RESTORES ALL SETTINGS
TO THE FACTORY DEFAULTS. NORMAL USERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED
TO PERFORM THIS OPERATION!
If your device freezes up press the Menu button and hold for 15 seconds.
This is like a power down of the device. Once you perform the reset, the adjustments you made during last operation
will be gone.
This is what it states in the manual for the 260 sansa Page 29
3: Recovery Mode also resets system settings when unplugged... lock your sansa hold in the rec key on the left at the same time push the menu/power button this will take you to recovery mode then connect to the computer Start the update software

I had a similar problem with my e250. The problem was that one of the plastic arms on the lock switch had broken off. The one that locked it was still in place but the other wasn't, so I could always lock it but never unlock it.

Since you already know how to open the case, take a look at the switch at the top. Use a pen or something and slide it to the unlocked position (away from the headphone jack). Put it back together and see if it works. If it does, just remember never to lock it again.

You need to unlock the device. There is a little slider button on top next to the headphone jack.

I had the same issue I think to switch to recovery mode you lock the keys and hold the record button as you turn on the player. The only place I know of the get the firmware is the official website.

Reset the player first, then retry the lock slider.

take it off hold. should be a switch somewhere.

Call sandisk tech support at 1-866-726-3474 or email [email protected]. I know I bought one of these as a refurbished unit and it came with no manual. They were very helpful when I had trouble with mine.

seems kinda obvious, but did you turn off the hold switch on the top?