A computer storage program would normally perform a "reset" if a command times out and error recovery schemes like retry or abort also fail.
Most computers have a reset line that brings the device into the startup state and is active for a short time after powering on.
Many memory-capable digital circuits (flip-flops, registers, counters and so on) accept the reset signal that sets them to the pre-determined state.
The ability for an electronic device to reset itself in case of error or abnormal power loss is an important aspect of embedded system design and programming.
The lack of a proper reset ability could otherwise possibly render the device useless after a power loss or malfunction.