External HD Not Being Detected

I have an external hard drive that was configured when i was using windows vista 32-bit. now im using the 64 bit and it no longer detects the hd. (im not certain if the x86/x64 switch effects external drive paths because the old drive had no operating system on it...it was strictly data storage)

Ive changed out the external pata/ide to usb controller, the jumper config on the back of the hd, and ive switched usb cables and which usb port it was plugged into.

all in all the drive simply does not show up. it wont show up on "my computer" or even in "disk management" for that matter.

i do know that i had this same problem when i got the 32 bit vista problem installed for the first time...but im pretty sure i found out how to fix it by luck. if someone knows of a windows vista setting that might be preventing this from showing up it would be greatly appreciated because my thumb drives dont show up either....which would lead me to believe it wasnt just cuz i switched from 32 to 64

as always thanks in advance,
-kyle