mac pro can't download photo files to desktop from SD

My MacPro, totally loaded with RAM and about 3 years old, recently new to me, was wiped clean and reinstalled. Everything works fine but one BIG problem for me. I cannot get the computer to download photo files from SD or CF cards. I'm a professional photographer, and have been doing this on many computers since digital began, and nothing seems to work. I get the dialog transfer box, all the files directories go into my new desktop folders, but nothing transfers. Anybody got a clue on this one?

Thanks!