Invisible USB HDD

Hi,

I have an old Hitachi HDD that I use through the USB port (I bought a USB case).
This morning I wanted to use it to backup my system drive, but after ten minutes Acronis True Image was running the backup, an error occurred and I had to stop everything.
I unplugged the HDD from the USB, rebooted my system but the HDD didn't show up anywhere.
It wasn't listed under "My Computer", neither into Disk Management, tried to recall it in DOD, X:\, no way.
Then I tried to trace it using Knoppix Live CD, the HDD appeared in the desktop but when I tried to mount it I got an error message that more or less says: mount: I could not determine the filesystem type
Finally, I browsed the Hitachi website and downloaded the Drive Fitness Test, unfortunately the bus scanning couldn't find the HDD either

I do not know what to do more, but I can provide you with some extra information.
Before this inconvenience occurred, I had formatted and deleted the two previous partitions that originally were in the HDD, then created a single partition that I named X:\. The whole process was made via Disk Management.
The HDD worked fine in explorer, then I began the backup process with Acronis... the rest you know.

How do I make it visible so that I can re-create the partition and format?

Thank you for your help.

Alex

 

the drive could have just failed. it might also be the controller. try to take the drive out and put it as an internal drive. put your ear next to it do you hear it spinning is it making any wierd sounds? if it is not showing up in disk management then those are the issues.

 

I agree. daluder's suggestions are spot on; give 'em a try and let us know what happens.

Good luck!

 

Hi all,

Unfortunately I have to confirm that the HDD is dead.
I plugged it in my laptop MB bus (its original place) and put in the XP CD in order to boot up and format but my ThinkPad didn't go further than its splash screen.
The HDD didn't work on my other desktop station either.

Besides, once it starts spinning it does a strange noise, the same you have when you need extra power from a second USB port, a sort of "tic tic tic".

It is amazing how they can break in a moment, without any apparent pre-symptom.

Anyhow, thank for your suggestions!

Cheers
Alex