Win XP unable to detect my ext hdd..how??? help!!!

[poseidongal]

My pc is unable to detect my 2.5 inch 80G ext hdd. The power on led on my ext hdd keep blinking. By right, if my hdd is being detected, the blinking will stop and it will just be a blue LED light. I dont think it is my hdd problem as my latop is able detect it. This is not the 1st time i am using my hdd on my pc but i am not sure why suddenly my pc is not able to detect it. Below are some background information. Hopefully some kind souls can provide me with suggestions on how to solve this problem.

Type of ext hdd : 80G 5400rpm 2.5 inch seagate hdd enclose in Nexstar casing.

Things i had tried but still not able to detect my ext hdd.

1. Access Disk Management and see if the USB device is listed. It is not listed.
2. There is no conflict in drive letter or any problem with the USB port as I am able to detect my thumb drive using the same port
3. Access Device Manager, highlight the Disk drives listing and click on the Action menu item
and then the "Scan for hardware changes" sub-menu item. Nothing found. Did the same in Disk Management > Action > Rescan disks. Also nothing found.
4. Reboot pc with my ext hdd intact. Still not able to detect during start up.
5. Reformat the whole drive and reinstall win xp also not able to solve the problem.

The blue led light on my ext hdd just keep flashing..SIGH.. any kind souls able to help?

[Geforce1]

have you tried other usb ports?

sometimes happen to mine also because not enough power to drive the 2.5" external hd.

[poseidongal]

GEforce: I tried that too.. i try 3-4 USB port on my pc.. also cannot work

Some additional info : when i put my ext hdd close to my ear, I can hear "click. click. click." sound as well.

anyone?

[Geforce1]

GEforce: I tried that too.. i try 3-4 USB port on my pc.. also cannot work

Some additional info : when i put my ext hdd close to my ear, I can hear "click. click. click." sound as well.

anyone?

ah...i'm not sure but the click click click is usually not enough power....do you have an extra cable to power the harddisk?

[poseidongal]

no ley.. i dont have power cable for the ext hdd.. wasnt included in the package when i bought it.. it is only 80G ley.. will also kena not enough power issue..
where can i buy the power cable?
I am using 2.5inch Nexstar USB 2.0 interface casing

[eddy2099sg]

It is most definitely insufficient power. What you get is a Y USB Cable. You basically need to use two USB port to power the harddisk. I have the same problem with my WD Passport drive and I had to buy the cable to get it to work. I however did not find any problem with my new laptop. It is possible that the new computers supply sufficient power via the USB port but not the older one.

[poseidongal]

thanks people..i will get hold of a Y USB cable and see if that solve my problem..

[yauchong]

looks like this..
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc14/madlocke/Hardware/Mini-Btosplitdual-A.jpg

[poseidongal]

thanks guys.. it is indeed power supply problem.. thanks alot :)

[vovoa1]

I have the same problem as poseidongal as describe in his first mail.

It is just that I don't hear the click click sound.

Had tried also powered my external hard disk by using the Y USB wire, but my desktop still unable to detect the hard disk.

Anyone could assist as I do have valuable details stored in there.

[eddy2099sg]

Make sure that when you plug your Y cable, you plug it directly to your desktop instead of a usb hub.

[vovoa1]

Make sure that when you plug your Y cable, you plug it directly to your desktop instead of a usb hub.


Thanks Eddy, I did not plug into the sub hub, but my PC still unable to detect it.

Other than power supply issue, is there any issue that might occur?

[eddy2099sg]

If you totally do not hear any sound then it is possible that either the casing or the harddisk is faulty. If possible, transfer the harddisk into another casing and see if it works.