Determining ownership of a USB drive can be challenging, but there are methods to help identify it. Checking the packaging for codes and comparing them with any stickers on the USB can provide clues. On Windows, the "mountvol" command may reveal a GUID for the drive, which can be useful for tracking its history, although this information may not be easily accessible. In Linux, identifying drives is more straightforward. Formatting a USB typically does not change its UUID, which can help in identification. Additionally, using data recovery software like PhotoRec can retrieve previously stored data, potentially revealing ownership information. Regular formatting is recommended for privacy protection, as recovered data can sometimes include sensitive personal information.