Files doesn't recognize flash drive

Flash Drives that use a Lightning connector are manufacturer proprietary - and require support via a companion App. Unless the App is explicitly coded by the Developer to integrate with the native Files App, the drive will not be visible via the Files Locations tab.

Whilst I can offer no guarantee of success, you may find that one of the better third-party file management Apps may provide a “bridge” to the native Files App.

One App that may be useful in this regard is FileBrowser - Document Manager:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545

Flash Drives that use a Lightning connector are manufacturer proprietary - and require support via a companion App.

Unless the App is explicitly coded by the Developer to integrate with the native Files App, the drive will not be visible via the Files Locations tab.

Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities, constance146!

We understand you're not able to see a connected flash drive on your iPad. We'd be happy to provide information to help you address this.

As a test, are you able to see any other connected flash drives? You can also try formatting the flash drive to the other compatible formats in the article: Use the Files app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

As for the "more locations" option, this would appear if you are signed in to other cloud storage options, for example, OneDrive or Google Drive and for servers you connect to.

Let us know the results.

Have a great day!

NTSC is a television broadcast standard.

NTFS is a Microsoft-proprietary filesystem format, this is definitely not compatible with iOS/iPadOS. exFAT is relatively universal - and is supported by your iPad.