IDE to USB connection problems??

I am using an IDE hard drive (Maxtor DiamondMax Plus 9 80GB) as a back up device for my laptop, it's in an external enclosure (SUMVision 3.5") connected to my laptop via a USB 2.0 port.

The computer doesn't seem to recognise the drive when I plug it in. I have checked the drivers, but there aren't any updated ones available. I have tried disconnecting and reconnecting (several times) but to no avail.

Any advice on this would be very welcome.

 

I had a similar problem with my laptop and an external drive in an enclosure..
I was running a partioned c drive with win 95 and 2000 installed.The case was not recognised by either system..Even after loading the enclosed drivers,all it would see was the case,not the harddrive within..
I finally succombed and installed xp which sorted his out..
Sorry if it does not help,but this was my way of doing it..

 

I am already running Windows XP, I know it's usually quite good at recognising external devices, but this one seems to elude it...

Thanks anyway