When I connect my MP3 players, the PS3 doesn't recognize the songs.

When I plug in my COBY MP3 player, it gets picked up as a device is connected, but I cannot find any of my songs of it.

When I plug in my 4 GB Zune, the whole device doesn't get picked up.

What could be the problem?

No real "problem" other than the fact that it's the MP3 players at fault.
Without gettin too deep into it. The VAST majority of MP3 players use a protocol called MTP, which allows it to work with Windows Media player. Some use MSC protocol, which allows the MP3 to be treated as if it is a USB harddrive and recognized by the OS (Linux Windows Apple..etc) The PS3 doesnt recognize MTP at all (your Zune) Your Coby MP3 may support MSC, but the PS3 still looks for music in a certain files. PS3/MUSIC..something like that. If your MP3 doesnt have that (and it wont) then none of the music will show up. You'll need to hit the triangle button and show all folders options (if it's still there)to get the PS3 to search through the directorys/files on the MP3 player.

How about an iTouch? Would that work? I seem to remember some kind of patch coming specifially for the iPhone/iTouch.

How about an iTouch? Would that work? I seem to remember some kind of patch coming specifially for the iPhone/iTouch.

I havent personally tried it (no need too) with my iTouch. But seeing as how the Touch doesnt play well with Windows I doubt it will work with the PS3. The touch certainly doesnt support MTP, and it doesnt seem to support MSC either. I know the older iPod's would work but had issues with not all the songs being listed, titles screwed up...etc. I gave up on using an MP3 player with the PS3 and just went the Media server route. I stream all my music from my PC to my PS3's now.

I just plugged my Cowon A3 player into the PS3 using a USB cable, and it was immediately recognized as a USB mass storage device. Perhaps because the Cowon stores music in a folder named "MUSIC" at the root of the directory tree, the PS3 knew that the MP3 files were there.

I've had no problem connecting this device to Windows, Linux, you name it. I don't know what the "MSC" protocol is that others have mentioned, but if you can make the device look like USB mass storage, the PS3 should recognize it.

One reason I'd never buy an iPod or Zune is because they're both designed as closed, proprietary systems. As a Linux-only household, devices like those are non-starters for us since Apple and Microsoft have no interest in supporting open systems like Linux.

I just plugged my Cowon A3 player into the PS3 using a USB cable, and it was immediately recognized as a USB mass storage device. Perhaps because the Cowon stores music in a folder named "MUSIC" at the root of the directory tree, the PS3 knew that the MP3 files were there.

I've had no problem connecting this device to Windows, Linux, you name it. I don't know what the "MSC" protocol is that others have mentioned, but if you can make the device look like USB mass storage, the PS3 should recognize it.

One reason I'd never buy an iPod or Zune is because they're both designed as closed, proprietary systems. As a Linux-only household, devices like those are non-starters for us since Apple and Microsoft have no interest in supporting open systems like Linux.

MSC protocol is Mass Storage Class..is the techinical name for it. It's more commonly known as UMS Universal Mass Storage. You'll find plenty of info if you wiki or google UMS vs MSC. But the bottom line is MSC supported devices are seen as USB harddrives by any OS. Hence the reason they work well with Linux. Cowon, Creative, Archos, and a few other MP3/PMP players support both MTP and MSC/UMS protocol and some of them use a "standard" folder naming convention. Which makes it easier to find the media on them.

Now the Ipod/Zune closed proprietary systems is 100% correct. I have a Creative Zen Vision W that works just fine no matter what OS I plug it into.
But I must say the user friendlyness of the touch is far beyond that of any of my other MP3 players..and I have too many to list. Although I DO hate the fact you are forced to use iTunes:mad: My first and more than likely last Apple iPod purchase becaue of iTunes.