Does not detect a western digital external hard drive

Asked By Jaclyn Andree 20 points N/A Posted on - 11/15/2012

Hello,

The computer I am using does not detect a western digital external hard drive. It keeps on plugging and unplugging every other time. What is the problem here? I cannot gain access to anything because it cannot be seen in the computer. How do I solve this issue at hand?

Thanks. 

• Status: Open
• Question Views: 942
• Answer Count: 2
• Vote Up 0 Vote Down

• Answer Accepted: Yes
• Question Category: Hard Drives

Best Answer by Scott Aust

Go To Solution

Best Answer

Best Answer

Answered By Scott Aust 5 points N/A #148155

Does not detect a western digital external hard drive

Hi Jaclyn,

Have you tried plugging it to another computer?
It could be a number of reasons..

If it keeps plugging and unplugging – it could be a faulty USBcable.

It could also be a bad firmware or encryption problem.

If the drive makes a clicking noise – then the drive head is bad.

If the disk is not spinning when you plug it in – then the power supply is faulty

If the drive is not mounting and can't be detected by disk management.. – I suggest you call WD customer support.

About Scott Aust

Questions
2

Answers
49

Best Answers
10

• Vote Up 0 Vote Down

• Posted on - 11/15/2012
• Question Category: Hard Drives

Answered By Alexander Nelson 10 points N/A #148154

Does not detect a western digital external hard drive

Try to check if connecting cables on your western external hard drive is okay. Check in the disk management tool if there the hard drive appears. If appear then assign a drive letter. What is the number of capacity of your computer to support hard drives at a time? If there are others connected with your computer then remove one and try again. Try to connect with USB hub. You may get additional help from this http://hgst-knowledge.force.com/hgst/

About Alexander Nelson

Questions
1

Answers
57

Best Answers
15

• Vote Up 0 Vote Down

• Posted on - 11/16/2012
• Question Category: Hard Drives