I created a new directory on the root directory of the USB HD and I was able to write on it in both ubuntu and centos. I am curious if it didn't have to do with the fact that one of my sub-directories is called "home" and selinux flagged this and yet didn't show up in the audit. The full directory name for the one that couldn't be copied( yet deleteable) to in centos was: /media/disk/home/dude The one that worked was : /media/disk/dude In this case everything works normal, sub-directories and all! al