Problems with Removable Drives

I currently am using Windows 2000 and have an iPod connected to my machine, appearing as a removable drive.

In order to unplug the iPod, I must use the Safely Remove Hardware tool, which stops the relevant services for the device I am doing.

However, it is almost impossible to do so whilst IntelliJ is running. This means IDEA is accessing or has some sort of lock on my F: drive, something which is never user nor accessed in any of my projects.

This behaviour is also exhibited on my colleague's machine, whilst he is using a memory key, also requiring safe removal.

Has anyone experienced this or know of a workaround to stop IDEA accessing non-relevant drives?

Regards,
Peter Dolukhanov