Can you load files on your ps3 with a usb stick?

May be...

Seemingly you can but the console doesn't seem to recognize the flash drive usb stick. why is this and is there anything I can do?

The USB stick Needs to be formated in FAT32 format, Put in the pc and right click the drive and select properties, this will show what format its in, you can also right click and select FORMAT to change it.

Most come as standard in this format anyway, If the files are MP3's go to the music section if the USB drive is shown, hit triangle and "show all "

I just got a 16GB stick today to transfer Hi-Def Movies in M2TS format, but FAT32 only sees about 4GB :( But they do transfer over from a DL dvdr )