Mosherrn

You have to format the SSD in order to use it. 

It sounds like the ssd isn't formatted. Search create ans format hard disk partitions in windows and open the first thing that shows up. Your SSD *should* show up there, and then you can create a new partition there.
Are you talking about copy pasting through windows? Unfortunately, that wouldn't work because windows doesn't make some stuff like the registry visible. What you need to do is use a cloning utility like macrium reflect or paragon.

You have a Samsung drive, so download Samsung Magician.  It'll clone your old drive to your new drive.
 
To format, go into Disk Management in Windows, then right click the new drive and select Simple Volume.  Then do the Samsung Magician trick.