Answer

I had a very similar problem. Go to the following link: http://augen.helpserve.com/index.php?_m=downloads&_a=viewdownload&downloaditemid=49&invalidpass=1
Download the firmware update .zip (MU902FIRMWARE.zip) using password "augen2010". Now, google "augen md-a499 firmware" and look for the following hit: "[DOC] Download - AUGEN ELECTRONICS CORP - Kayako SupportSuite Help Desk ...File Format: Microsoft Word - Quick View
Firmware Upgrade. MD-A499. MP4 Touch Media Player. EXTRACT the file MU902FIRMWARE.zip to C: drive. The path would be C:\MU902FIRMWARE. ...
augen.helpserve.com/index.php?_m=downloads&_a=downloadfile..."
Now download the .doc or quickview it and follow instructions. Biggest thing here is that you must be able to press the MENU button on side of MP4 player, then connect USB to PC and release MENU button. If your PC "sees" a new USB device, then you should be able to update firmware. My POS started working again after i did this. Good luck!