WD MyBook USB HDD completely ignored by Windows 7

[Blast0]

My WD external USB HDD (which works flawlessly with my old WinXP rig) is completely ignored and unseen by Windows 7. I've done my research on the matter, and have tried numerous methods to fix the problem, but my situation seems to be just different enough that it's rendered irrepairable, at least by myself.
You see, where most people are able to locate their USB HDD in the Computer Management/Storage application, mine simply does not. Not in device manager either. Which prevents me from simply "activating" the drive through Disk Management. I've attached a snipped picture of the Disk Management window to further illustrate just how "invisible" the drive is.
Just like with all of the other similar posts I've read, my USB HDD starts up normally, displays the green light, and emits all the usual operating noises. It just simply doesn't exist as far as Windows 7 is concerned.

I would greatly appreciate any assistance that anyone could provide me in rectifying this situation. I love using Windows 7, but this problem is a bit of a dampener on my feel-good Win7 mood.

 

[DJG]

Have you tried different USB ports? It should at least come up in the Device Manager. Are there any "?" entries in the Device Manager?

 

[Blast0]

I have tried every USB port on the case. The 8 in the back and the two at the front, always with the same outcome. I have also looked completely throughout Device Manager and there are no "?" marks or any other marks for that matter.

 

[DarkXeno]

I would check Gigabyte's web site and see if there is a newer firmware for your motherboard and that in bios all ports are enabled.

 

[DJG]

You can use a port where something else works to determine if it's the port. I'm wondering if your drive's USB interface is toast. Can you use it now in another PC?

Edit: Another too obvious check - have you tried different USB cables?

 

[Webadict]

Have you tried anyother USB devices to see if they work correctly?