Try deleting the USB mass storage device in Device Manager and then get Windows to scan for new hardware (sounds pointless, but this has worked for me).
Try using the USB cable that has two USB plugs at the one end and plug both into your laptop. Some computers cannot supply enough current on a single port to power the E220.
What he needs to do is, right click the USB Mass Stirage Device in Device Manager, and "Update Drivers/Software" for it. Then select to choose hardware from a list, then he must go to "Standard USB Controller(or something similar - usually 3rd one from the top) and select the USB Composite Device.
It should automatically install the data interfaces, and if it doesnt, he needs to point it to where the drivers are located, usualy in Program Files.