problem ejecting usb media after using adobe products (acrobat pro, photoshop, illustrator)?

I'm having the repeated problem that Windows cannot eject my external hard drive after I've used any adobe product.  I've had this issue with acrobat pro, photoshop, and illustrator.  The only common denominator to when I have this issue is an adobe product.  The adobe programs are not shown in task manager, I've waited and the hard drive never ejects safely (even a hour later), and my ultimate solution is always a shut down or log off.  Can someone help me because this problem is getting extremely annoying.