Windows 7 - External hd problems

Hi everyone, I was hoping someone could help me figure out some problems I am having with my USB ports. I have a USB 3.0 external hard drive that stays plugged into my computer, but everytime I reboot I have to unplug the external and plug it back in in order for windows to see it. Is there anyway to make it remember this drive so I don't have to reach in the back of my tower to unplug it everytime? Also, my USB wireless mouse keeps losing signal, not sure if this is a related issue or not. USB ports seem to work fine in other cases, I have plugged thumb drives into each one of my ports and it recognizes it right away every time. If someone could help me out i would greatly appreciate it!