Windows 7: USB Hard Drive connects but cannot be read

Hi All

I have a USB hard drive which when I plug in to either my desktop or laptop is recognised and assigned a drive letter but when I try and click on it or access it in any way either nothing happens or I get the "spinning circle" and have to shut the pc down using its power switch (not a very good idea I know).

I haven't dropped the disc but may have unplugged it too quickly when it was last used so not sure if it has corrupted anything.

Thanks

Rob

Have you tried using the drive on another computer? It's possible there's a driver issue or software conflict, but it sounds as if there's something wrong with the drive itself.

If you can deal with the loss of the data on the hard drive, you could try formatting the disk using a program like Partition Wizard. I'm not sure if the program will be able to access the hard drive if it's corrupt, but it's worth a try.

the drive seems to do the same on whichever pc i connect it to. i have some important stuff on the drive which i don't want to lose if poss.

Can you post a screen shot Disk management?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...en-forums.html

Screenshot tools.
Screenshot with Paint
Screenshot and Upload using MWSnap
Fscapture free download

I don't think a screenshot would help. I just open up "Computer" from the start menu which shows the drive but you cant access any files. When you click on the drive everything just hangs..!!

A screenshot Disk management would help use to help you.