2 year old compaq computer all original parts -- HD not found anymore

[chuckB9]

Hoping I don't need a new hard drive.

Received Compaq computer CQ61, With Win 7, 64 bit. If I try to run the Hard Drive test, I get "Hard Drive Not exist". (The computer's words, not mine) Really don't want to buy new hard drive, of course. This drive is only 2, but original equipment and no longer under warranty.

I'm told to run certain programs to check the drive. However, they have to be downloaded to the computer in question, and I can't connect via that computer. I created a bootable Flash drive, but it doesn't let me get to the hard disk.

The Disk is a SATA (by Seagate) 320 GB, Momentus 7200.4.

I can't partition when it can't see the drive, I can't run programs when I need the Hard drive to store them. Looking for some way to save the drive for a while while I save enough for a new drive!

Anyone with suggestions?

 

[TVeblen]

Hello ChuckB9. Welcome to the forum.

First up: have you opened the case and physically checked the connections to the hard drive?

Be sure to do this with the PC off and the power cord unplugged.

Second: If all connections are good the Start the PC and immediately go into the BIOS setiings. On the first tab navigate to see if the hard drive shows up in the drives listings. If not, do other drives (CD-DVD) show?

Third: When you start the PC, can you hear the drive "spin up". Can you hear it running?

 

[chuckB9]

continuing my situation

To answer your questions:
1) Yes, I opened up and checked. I don't see a power connector( wired) but I'm guessing it goes through the drive connection. If not, that's my problem.

2) Anything that is plugged in shows. DVD-CD ROM shows in BIOS. Flash drives show if plugged in. But NOT the H/D.

3) I can only assume the drive is spinning: I cannot hear. But the drive runs warm...warmer than what I'd expect.

Tried a hard drive tester...unfortunately, I get a "Cannot create MSXML INSTANCE". It DID work on another computer. And I cannot get a LAN to work between these computers I have.

 

[Britton30]

If this is a desktop the HDD will need one each of the connectors shown below, or similar.
If it's a laptop, as Momentus suggests, the drive will connect via a combo power and data connector on the board inside.