Computer doesn't recognize external drive

[stargazer2400]

All of a sudden my computer does not recognize my external hard drive which was drive K. I have a Dell E310 running windows XP Service pack 3. The drive is a Seagate FreeAgent Desktop. There is no installation disk...it is a plug and play. It is listed under disk drives in device manager but not in disk management. I checked and it says the driver is current and device is working properly. I have had it plugged into a USB hub since it's been connected and all other devices plugged into hub work fine. Have tried different USB ports both on the hub and on the computer itself. I am somewhat knowledgeable about computers but this is beyond my limited scope. Can anybody help?

[Allan]

Try the drive on another computer to make sure the drive is still viable.

[stargazer2400]

Thanks. Will need to find another computer to use.

[stargazer2400]

Tested external drive and it is working. What should I try next?

[Geek-9pm]

Failure to recognize USB devices in not a rare problem.

Here is a related post on a Microsoft Site that shows how common this problem happens.

I have windows 7 Toshiba laptop, i have two Usb ports that fail to even get power to them or light up my flash drives or anything there's no power in them at all. I have tried system recovery, unistalled all Usb drivers and reintalled, trouble shooted, and nothing seems to work. I myself think it is a hardware proplem but, if anyone can help me please do.

Usb ports fail  <<-- link

There were a bunch of ideas on that forum,  but nobody really fixed it.Mo plausible explanation.

FYI: USB  ports can be 'blocked' for a period of time and then recover later. I do not know where this is documented.
Try again later and it may work.

[Geek-9pm]

Just found this in a Google. It is a home made video.
He says the power plug fixed his USB ports!

[Allan]

So if I understand correctly:

The drive works on another computer

Other USB devices work fine on this computer

You've tried a direct connect to the computer (NOT using a hub) with the same issue

The drive does not show up in Windows Explorer or Disc Management

Is all of that correct?

Please look in device manager - are there any yellow or red symbols?

Please boot to safe mode. Do you see the drive there?

[stargazer2400]

sorry I haven't tried your solutions. I've been out of town. Will try ASAP and let you know. Thanks for you patience.

[stargazer2400]

OK. I have tried the fix that was demonstrated in the video link. I shut the computer down, unplugged the external drive, unplugged the power supply and waited 5 minutes. Then I plugged the power supply back in, booted the computer and plugged the external drive directly into a port on the front of the computer. Didn't fix the problem. Not only does it not recognize the drive, it didn't want to recognize my digital camera when I plugged that in. I then checked the device manager. The external drive is listed under disk drives and has no yellow or red symbols by it either in regular mode or in safe mode. Where do I go from here? Or is it time to take it into computer repair shop?

[Geek-9pm]

Where do I go from here? Or is it time to take it into computer repair shop?

The model you have will support PCI cards. Right?
My recommendation to install a PCI card with four or five USB ports on it. It will not conflict with the other USB ports, but does require its own driver, in most cases.

If you search Amazon for "PCI USB card" you will good models under $25 or much less.
A computer shop will chge you more to repair the Desktop you have. Your choice.

[jim.mar]

Stargazer:  This meay be a dumb reply but I thot I would tell you of my experience.  I have three external drives and they all work  but not  together.   When one is running, I often cannot access one of the others.  ESpecially if they are plugged into the same hub.    Try turning off any other device on that hub, including the external drive, diconnect the USB cable, wait a few seconds, then re-apply power to the drive and,  after it is up to speed,   plug in the usb cable .    This usually works for me...  Sounds too simple but.....what can you lose??

OR  Geek's idea sounds good.   I used a PCI USB card in my old machine for years.   Cheap, simple, and reliable..

[stargazer2400]

I am pretty much a beginner in computer repair. Can you explain what a PCI card is and how I would go about installing it? Sorry if I sound a bit stupid.

[Geek-9pm]

I am pretty much a beginner in computer repair. Can you explain what a PCI card is and how I would go about installing it? Sorry if I sound a bit stupid.

No problem.  This forum is to help people.

Note: In places where the humidity is low can static electricity builds up, you must touch the metal chassis before you touch any components inside the case.

Requiems a screwdriver and common sense. You PC is a Desktop, Right? Remove the power plug from the back of the computer. You may have to also unplug some of the other cables for the audio and video. You will move the case to where you can get access to in inside after you  remove the cover. The screws should be on the back side.

Here is a set of videos:
How to Install PCI Card.

The first is about a Video card, but watch the  others also. You will get the general  idea. The card has to go all the way into the slot. A metal lid from the backside has to be removed firts. One screw holds the card down.

I found these by searching for 'How to Install PCI Card' on Bing. .You might find that same on Google or Yahoo.

Look over then videos, come back here  ans ask more questions.

[stargazer2400]

Thank you for your good explanation. I will look for a PCI usb card to purchase. Oh, one last thing, how do I choose the right card for my computer? It is a 6 yr old Dell Dimension E310. Should I find out from Dell? Thanks again.

[Geek-9pm]

Almost any low-cost USB 2.0 card should work.  Some stores have a very good return policy, even on low-cost items. Ask before your buy. Amazon and New egg are very poplar on-line stores in the USA. And Walt-Mart and Staples somethings have computer items  they will order for you.
On eBay you take some risk for a slightly better deal.