External HD PNP Issue

[DrRon]

I'm running W7 Pro on a Gateway FX530 XM (old) with an Intel 975X Big Arm motherboard.
I have a Seagate 2T external HD running in an Antec MS-1 enclosure, with separate power supply and power switch.
Connecting the external HD to my old XP machine via an eSATA bridge was pure PNP with the power switch.
Just tried the same connection setup to the W7 machine.
Turned on the power switch, the system loaded the driver and the Autorun dialog came up.
I selected Explorer and everything looked good.
Transferred some data to the internal HD, then turned off the switch.
System showed the HD was still connected....
Powered back on and did the safely remove option.
Powered off - no change - drive still showing.
Control panel troubleshooter says device was prepared for "Safe Removal" but hasn't been removed from the computer (code 47).
Wants me to unplug the HD from the computer then plug it in again.
Restarted computer, powered on the HD enclosure and got the Autorun dialog - good.
Did the "safely remove" and power off again - no deal.
How the heck should I remove the HD from the computer properly?

 

[Ranger4]

Is this drive connected via a USB connection, if so then you actually have to disconnect the USB cable when it says "Safe to remove Hardware". You will then hear the familiar USB connect & disconnect tone.

 

[DrRon]

No, I'm using a SATA cable to an eSATA bridge connector.