I also had the same prob, if your pendrive is soaked with soapy water, wash it again with clean water and keep it under the fan for atleast 4 hrs for assuring that the pendrive is completeley dry.{I also thought it could damage the pendrive, but what to do..it is already damaged}. If your pendrive is openable open it with less force and clean the chip and other parts with a cloth.I hope it works!!
Singam, January 2014