Windows 7: help: external hd not recognized

sorry for my English. I'm asking for help for a problem: windows 7 does not recognize an external HD; I do not see it in "computers" but in "devices and printers". What should I do? Can you help me?
Tnx
Karla

Have you tried inserting both USB cables? Most, if not all, external harddrives have data cables that have two USB ports. The fatter cable is supposed to be for power and data transfer. The thinner cable is for backup power.

edit: If that does not work, you could also try inserting both cables and restarting your computer. That process has not failed me once.

thanks for your reply. My external HD has a single cable. I also tried to include a multi ubs external power to insert the external HD but nont function. On another computer where xp is okay

Have you tried different ports? If you have a desktop pc, sometimes the USB ports in front do not recognize external hdds even if I insert the two USBs. However, if I try to insert it at the back, it recognizes the external hdd.

yes, j have tried different ports; j have tried also at the bach...but the hd is recognized as device and printers.

is a problem that I do not know how to solve

I've done that many times before on multiple pcs but have not experienced that. Let's wait for others to give their take on this one while I try to find a solution for you.

tnx !!!!! I wait and hope!!