Tech advice - USB storage

[StatusWoe]

I bought a new USB stick, but it's already having issues storing images. They're not viewable and covered in streaks/stripes or coloured patches. I don't know how they got corrupted seeing as the USB is so new. Is it possible I did something wrong when transferring them? The original images (still saved on my PC) are fine, so the problem's not with the files themselves. To be fair, the flash drive is a really cheap one and I was thinking of getting something better. I have a few questions:

-What's causing the problem with the USB?
-If buying a different one, what do I look for? Do they need to be compatible with the PC?
-What are the other ways of storing images and documents? (aside from flash drives)?

Really appreciate any help! I'm so ignorant when it comes to technology.

 

[Sunflower91]

What happens when you move the image from the usb back to your PC- does the quality go back to normal?
It could just be a low quality USB that struggles a bit when loading direct from it.

There’s plenty of alternatives depending on what you’re comfortable with -
Cloud storage : Like apple cloud, Google drive and one drive where you’re images are uploaded to the cloud and as long as you remember your account details you’ll be able to retrieve them- you get a certain amount of free storage but then would have to pay for more.

External Hard Drive: This plugs into your usb port via cable usually. They vary in quality and size but are more of a reliable backup than a usb, but they are more expensive. If you look on hotukdeals they often have deals for them and generally the comments will let you know if the spec is any good.
Then you have memory cards, usbs etc. where tbh you usually get what you pay for- id always go for a reputable brand just so then there’s no a risk you lose all of your data