Why would my computer suddenly not recognize my external hard drive?

[squirtmph]

WD - Elements 1TB External USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive
(Model# WDBACX0010BBK-00)

Hard Driver Spinning
Light is ON

But docent Show by using two different cables & ports

Thank you for your help!

 

[Ranger4]

How old is that HDD. Have you subjected to any shocks such as dropping it even only into a draw. HDDs are very easily damaged.

You said you've tried different USB ports & a different connecting cable, so a failed HDD seems to be the most likely problem, as it's not showing even in the "Computer" window.

 

[jumanji]

In Device Manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers, I see WD Drive Management Devices. What is it and what does it do? Is there a possibility that it could have somehow locked your drive? Check on it. You may also let me know where I could get to see that software and user manual for it..

Generally if your WD Elements portable drive or any drive for that matter does not show up anywhere, no DIY data recovery is possible. In most cases it may be due to the failure of the SATA to USB bridge Interface electronics inside the enclosure. In WD portable drives this interface Electronics is directly soldered on to the HDD and therefore it is not possible to seperate the HDD and try it out with a direct connection for data recovery, even if the HDD is good. You have to contact WD Data Recovery partners or other Data recovery agencies if they are capable and willing to do it..

Try it out on another working PC ( without any WD software), just to make sure the problem is indeed with the external drive.

 

[squirtmph]

Ranger 4

How old is that HDD. Have you subjected to any shocks such as dropping it even only into a draw. HDDs are very easily damaged.

You said you've tried different USB ports & a different connecting cable, so a failed HDD seems to be the most likely problem, as it's not showing even in the "Computer" window.

===============================================================================
No nothing like you have mention above
as computer window, I have posted images as well!
Its old WD, but I don use it every week nor month! I just use it to back up only
not a single scratch on it

 

[squirtmph]

jumanji

Q1-What is it and what does it do?
External hard drive I use it only to move files, but not often
Hard drive show it working but something stopping them to sink or available to read info

Q2-Is there a possibility that it could have somehow locked your drive?
I don't know, how to do a check on W7

Q3-WD Elements portable drive?
Yes, Portable WD

Q4-Try it out on another working PC ( without any WD software)

I have try on W10 and it shows there, but that is all it does!

 

[jumanji]

1. "In Device Manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers, I see WD Drive Management Devices." Expand that and show me what is in there.(Screenshot)

2. Have you installed Smartware and password-protected your WD Elements ?

3. "I have try on W10 and it shows there, but that is all it does!" If it shows there post a screenshot of Windows Disk Management.
How to post a proper screen capture image of your Disk Management screen: Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[TechnoMage2016]

I have several WD drives (I'd NEVER buy one) that were originally in an External HD case. (USB External HD)
In every case, the WD External drive was given to me by one of my customers, who was thoroughly disgusted with the drive, that just quit working. In every case, the hard drive itself was just fine, but the HD to USB interface circuitry inside the External Drive case had failed. (NON repairable)

But in general I won't trust a WD drive as far as I could throw it, so the ones I have are used only as Scratch Drives. (for intermittent and temporary use only).

If you can remove the HD itself from the enclosure and connect it directly to your PC, You'll more than likely be able to access the data on the drive. If you can't do that, then take it to someone who can. Any computer repair shop should be able to do that for you.
If you were nearby, I'd do it for you, for FREE. (it's not a really big deal for any Computer Tech.)

Good Luck,
TechnoMage

 

[squirtmph]

jumanji

Q1 - Yes it show it's there but that is all it does
Q2 - No I dont have it installed, beside drivers (installed by default)
It docent have password proteccion
Q3 - I have ask neighbor to allow me to do a screen test (suggestion) .
On hes PC (when I ask hem to do safely unplug was not available to do that either) I was hoping for that, but again never happen.

Thank you for your help

https://www.npcglib.org/~stathis/blog/2013/03/01/hardware-problem-western-digital-my-passport-usb-3-0-disconnects-randomly/

 

[squirtmph]

TechnoMage2016

Thank you for you offer

If you can remove the HD itself from the enclosure and connect it directly to your PC

Do you happen to have images or some type of tutorial.

By the way I just happen to found out one of the guys I know he has same problem as I do
He owns WD My Passport & has W7 as well..

If I can do these am more willing to do the same for hem as well.

again thank you

 

[squirtmph]

Out of date!

 

[squirtmph]

Still couldn't be available to open!

Thank you for all your support to my question

I still cannot open, what I have to left is to do:

1. recovery backup
   
   2. reset external HD

 

[Layback Bear]

As per post # 6 by jumanji
Please complete this tutorial.

Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image - Windows 7 Help Forums

Jack