If you have used multiple different smart card readers on the same machine, old driver remnants can cause conflicts. To fix this, you need to show "hidden devices" in Device Manager.
The error message typically occurs when Windows fails to initialize the device driver or the Smart Card service is not running correctly. Core Fixes for Configuration Issues Update or Reinstall Drivers : the smart card reader is not configured properly install
1.0 Last Updated: [Current Date] Relevant for: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016/2019/2022 If you have used multiple different smart card
The error is almost always a software configuration issue, not a hardware failure. By following this guide step by step—starting with restarting the Smart Card Service, then reinstalling drivers, adjusting Group Policy, or cleaning registry keys—you will restore full functionality to your smart card reader. Core Fixes for Configuration Issues Update or Reinstall