[PsychoCoder]

I have a computer running XP Service Pack 3 and all of a sudden my portable HDD isn't showing up. I plug it into other computers (my laptop) and it works just fine. I plug it into any USB port on my desktop and I cant see it. The light comes on on the HDD, but it doesn't show up when I open My Computer.

This just started a few days ago, I know that's a vague description, but anyone got any ideas? It's a Simple Tech 160GB portable if that helps any

[no2pencil]

Since it's working on other computers, can you plug it into other ports on the same computer?

Is this computer the same one that dual boots? Try it in Linux & see if dmesg has anything to say when you plug it in.

** Possibly unwanted Linux Rant **
This is one of the areas where Linux excels beyond Microsoft, in my experience, because in Linux you can actually see at the File System level where the item is failing. In Windows you get to sit & wait & look at the My Computer drive letters wondering wtf happened? No Icon, No go! Is there any way to view hardware errors? I know you can view unrecognized devices in "Disk Management", but that still doesn't do much for troubleshooting.
** End Rant **

[PsychoCoder]

I tried that and even in Ubuntu it doesn't show up. I thought maybe my USB hub wasn't working but I plugged other stuff into each port and they worked, but my portable just isn't showing up

[CrazySpai]

I would hate to post something obvious but have you tried rebooting with the hard drive connected to the computer?

Some externals require a "cold boot" where you plug in the device while the PC off then start it up. It is a pain in the ass but some happen to want a cold boot at the most inconvenient times.

[PsychoCoder]

Tried that as well, in fact I've tried everything I can think of and nothing

[CrazySpai]

Hm.. have you checked the power adapter?
Have you had any recent power outages?

Try unplugging your HD and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Totally disconnect it. The power cable keep unplugged from the wall and HD. Let it sit and try again. If that didn't work and you have had a power outage recently then let it sit for 30 minutes.

[PsychoCoder]

There is no power cable, this is a portable and is powered by USB

[CrazySpai]

Ah..

Possibly.. in Windows Explorer do you have show hidden files enabled?
Maybe SOMEHOW the HD was hidden?

[PsychoCoder]

Have that checked, this is driving me insane because all my music is on this thing lol

[CrazySpai]

Well, if you are any bit hardware handy, take the thing apart if all else fails and put it as an internal.. I have had to do this with a few of mine because they have had their power source shot in the enclosure...

Have you checked that it is spinning?

[emortal]

Sorry in advance if I misunderstood,

1. your device uses 2 usb, 1 for connection and 1 for power?
2. you are plugging it into a usb hub?

If this is true the hub cant supply enough power to power ur device unless
the hub has its own power supply.
try plugging the HDD device directly into the PC BOTH connectors, and bypass
the hub altogether

wait until the PC is on and your sound is audible, then put the power usb in first
then the data usb, do you hear windows do the "di-ding" connexion sound?
press F5 to refresh, if not try another 2 usb ports on the back of the mobo, again
bypassing the hub altogether

let me know how it goes

[PsychoCoder]

@emortal:

Yes I'm plugging it into a USB hub that has it's own power supply. It worked perfectly until a couple days ago (and has for the past 6 months), now all of a sudden it doesn't spin up on my system, but it does on every other computer I've tried it on. I tried connecting it directly into 2 USB ports on the back of the computer and nothing.

EDIT: Just noticed my USB hub came unplugged. Jesus I'm such a noob sometimes LOL!

[CrazySpai]

Nice.