external hard drive problem, unable to detect or format


  1. Posts : 6
    windows 7 ultimate 64bit
       #1

    external hard drive problem, unable to detect or format


    Hi there,

    I need some good advice here, I hope someone can help me.

    I just bought a usb3.0 320gb external hard drive the brand and model are: "Imation Apollo M100"

    I plugged it into a usb 3 port and it worked but I wanted to format it before i used it, so i right clicked on it in my computer, and clicked format from the drop down box.

    I selected quick format and then started it. It ran for a while, then a box popped up saying: unable to complete format" or something to that effect. after that it was inaccessible. the drive showed in my computer as "local disk H:" or something like that. there was no gauge below it indicating the amount of data remaining on the disc, like all the others (ie: "30gb of 465gb left" which is displayed below my internal hard drives)

    from the control panel i went to system & security -> create and format hard disk partitions. in disk management it was there with a 1mb partition and the balance of the space as RAW. so i deleted it and tried to format it again with the same result (minus the 1mb partition) i unplugged it and tried the process again, this time i unchecked "quick format", and still no dice.

    now it wont pick up at all... i hear the ding dong when i plug it in, but it doesn't show up anywhere, in my computer or in disk manager.

    Has anyone got any idea whats going on or what i have done wrong? im normally able to figure this stuff out but im completely stuck... any advice will be much appreciated
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,014
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit
       #2

    Hi,

    1. Try to connect the USB 3 drive to a USB 2 port, just to discard any problems with USB 3.0 port?

    2. Goto Start>Control Panel>select "Icon View">Device Manager
    Click the "View" tab and select "Show Hidden Devices"
    In the Device Manager window, find the item/items labeled "Universal Serial Bus controllers." And expand.
    Now plug the device in. Do you see a USB mass storage driver appear under USB?
    Try all USB ports.

    3. Also do you see any devices in Device Manager listed as Other or Unknown, or having a yellow symbol?
    If so right-click and Update.

    4. Update the driver for your USB 3.0.

    cheers

    Dave
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,711
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit 7601
       #3

    need to go in Disk Management again, create a new NTFS partition and make it big as the whole drive. No RAW / free space must remain either before or after it (although some tiny amount could).

    Although if not even Disk manager could see it (even as RAW), I think it could be defective.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 774
    Vista Ultimate X64/ Windows 7 Dual-boot
       #4

    Does the BIOS see it ? ?
    If not ...return it for a replacement ASAP.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6
    windows 7 ultimate 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    thanks for the help guys,

    Dave it wasn't showing up in device manager yesterday. i did try swapping usb ports etc. but this morning i tried again and now it is showing up in device manager as a usb mass storage device, but with a yellow triangle. if i go into its properties it says "this device cannot start (code 10)"

    i think i'm just going to return it... its turning into more trouble than its worth. it shouldn't be this difficult to format a hd.

    thank you for taking the time to reply to my question.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,014
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit
       #6

    A Code 10 error is generated when Device Manager fails to start the hardware device,
    a situation usually caused by outdated or corrupted drivers.

    However......you are quite correct, return it!!

    Western Digital Hard Drives I find are very reliable :)

    cheers

    Dave
      My Computer


 

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