External Drive not accessible therefore not visible in 'My Computer'

[simmyjiff]

Hi,
I have been using an external USB Western Digital 'Elements' desktop storage drive as my main backup for a couple of years now without any problems. Over the last 48 hours the drive doesn't seem to be registering in 'My Computer' or 'Disk Management'? My Folder options are also showing Show hidden files option.
I've looked at other Forums and the suggestion is that the OS is at fault, I have also tried the External Drive on my Laptop and it worked fine. The other issue, which I believe is also connected to this one is that my secondary internal drive is also not showing?
Thanks for you help.
Jim
ps there was a moment last night when it was actually working but when I attempted to back up some files I received an error note advising me that the Drive was unknown, it has been inaccessible since then.

 

[CKWD]

Hello simmyjiff!

If the drive is working on your laptop just fine, then the problem isn't with it. You could be having a hardware issue with your other PC.

What is your secondary internal drive as make and model? Is it also completely gone from the system? Could you please provide us with your motherboard model, a list of all your storage devices and a screenshot of your Disk Management.

Also, if the two now not-working devices load successfully to your laptop, back them up through there, just in case.

Then check if your BIOS on the problematic PC needs updating, if you have all necessary USB drivers and clean the OS from viruses, malware, do a Disk Clean up.

Post back!

CK_WD