Hard Drive via USB not being recognised

chrissa1 | 21:54 Fri 17th Sep 2010 | Computers

8 Answers

I thought this would be easy but nothing happens when I connect the external hard drive to my laptop. A light comes on the little flat box but then, nothing. Help!!!!!

Now I'm Quite Good With Computers.. BUT

XP video function

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carlton23

Little flat box? Is it the Modem?

chrissa1

Question Author

No I don't think so. It is a backup frommy old laptop that was damaged and cost me £35 from the insurers. When I plug in the usb cables, it whirrs but nothing comes up on the screen to say it has been recognised.

rojash

After you've plugged it in, double-click My Computer and you should see an additional drive.

chrissa1

Question Author

I've done that rojash. When I double click on the D Drive Removable Storage, my CD draw pops out and I'm told to insert a disc.
I thought as soon as I plugged this box in, a new storage facility would be created to enable me to download what is on the new hard drive,,, but nothing happens.
I've trawled through the "help" topics and brought up pages of things to do, to no avail.

ChuckFickens

Need to know what version of windows it is to offer any further advise over what rojash has already said.

chrissa1

Question Author

It's Windows 7 HP.

rojash

Does the drive have a separate power supply?
If not, you may find that it works OK when plugged in the rear of the machine, but not in the front.

chrissa1

Question Author

Panic over folks. I've done it!! It was more complicated than I thought it would be but all my precious photos are now on the new laptop.
Thanks very much.

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