Problem with memory card

Hello,
i have a 1 gb sandisk memody card for my camera. my laptop does not detect either of the two (neither the camera nor the memory card) where as when i connect the memory card to another laptop (my friend's) it works fine.

usb ports of my laptop are working fine because all other things connected thru them are detected.

so, i guess some thing is missing in my laptop
what could it be
please help.