Windows 7 doesn't recognize my external HDD

Hello docjoe. Welcome to the Forum.

I gave this suggestion Both USB ports on laptop suddenly stopped working in another post here just a few hours ago.

Try that fix and see if it works for you.

TIP: One of the best ways to use SevenForums is to take advantage of the SEARCH tool. There is always a very good possibility that your issue or question has come up before. Always look for the threads marked SOLVED first.

If you haven't already go to device manager and see if it shows up there. Sometimes they 'lose' their drive letter. Also get the diagnostic tool from the hard drive manufacturer and make sure the drive is OK. At least then you will know it is the computer and not the drive.

thnq essenbe,
well in device manager it does show up in DISK DRIVE as.. "Tosoiba Exxernal USB rDD USB Device".. but still does not show up on MY COMPUTER.. its wierd.. cos i no dis is original.. and it used to show as Toshiba.. but ever since dis recognising problem started.. this is wats goin on..

Things i hav already tried:
1. Rebooting wid drive plugged in
2. Uninstalling USB drives and restarting
3. Virus scan (clean)
4. USB Selective Suspend - Turn On or Off

Still no luck.. plz. help.. if it makes it easier to talk.. and if u don mind.. plz.. send me ur contect no. and i will call u.. thnx

In Disk Management, Not device Manager, Right click on the drive, select change drive letter or path, click add, then select a drive letter, click OK and exit. It should show up in computer. If in this process it wants to format it, select no, or you will lose all data on it.

docjoe said:

thnq essenbe,
well in device manager it does show up in DISK DRIVE as.. "Tosoiba Exxernal USB rDD USB Device".. but still does not show up on MY COMPUTER.. its wierd.. cos i no dis is original.. and it used to show as Toshiba.. but ever since dis recognising problem started.. this is wats goin on..

Things i hav already tried:
1. Rebooting wid drive plugged in
2. Uninstalling USB drives and restarting
3. Virus scan (clean)
4. USB Selective Suspend - Turn On or Off

Please remove your e-mail address ASAP unless you want to get swamped with spam - thank you.

I would first suggest you run Toshiba's diagnostic tool to make sure the Hard drive is functioning correctly. Next, at the top of the page click on 'user CP' and fill out your system specs so we will be aware of what hardware you have.
You will find a link in the left column.

Docjoe, as Seavixen requested, please remove your email address for your own protection.