Any ideas - external HDD

I've just received an external 40gb HDD which I've been told is plug and play...however I've tried it on several laptops and desktops (all using Windows 2000 pro) and it doesn't even acknowledge it through the USB ports - any of them!

Anyone got any ideas or links for driver updates that may be useful?

 

When the device is plugged in does Windows make a sound or the hourglass pop up for a second?
Is there any notice in device manager of any kind?
Does it appear in disk manager?

 

No to all of these...the power led is lit up and all of the usb ports are functional. I've tried plugging it into XP pro as well and it has no affect there either? I'm beginning to think it must just be a faulty drive, but if anyone has a theory I'm more than willing to try it out...

 

I had the same thing happen and yes it was the drive. In my case I just had to open the case and reconnect a cable and the thing spring back to life.
Good Luck