How To Geek posted a great article explaining the proper procedures for removing a USB thumb-drive from a Windows computer, and what happens if you don’t follow the proper procedure.

To summerize the article: For best results you should use the Safely Remove Hardware icon near the clock, but if you can confirm that the USB drive is no longer being used by a program there should be no danger in just pulling it out.

Read the whole thing here: http://www.howtogeek.com/118546/htg-explains-do-you-really-need-to-safely-remove-usb-sticks/