External hard drive problems

[TEAK36]

I have an external 160 GB hard drive (USB2) which I have used without problems on 2 previous laptops.I have just got a brand new laptop, and have connected my external hard drive as normal.The problem I am having is when I go to 'my computer' the drive shows as removable disc (f) and asks me to insert a disc.I have checked all the drivers and they seem fine.My ext hard drive is definately USB 2 compatible.I have also connected my printer and an external DVD RW and they work fine.I must be doing something wron somewhere, but I have no idea what.Any help ould be most appreciated.

[KebabMeister]

Does your external hard drive have an external power supply?

[TEAK36]

Its works ok now, and I am really embarrassed about the reason it would not work in the first place.I noticed that the cable that plugs into to the back of the external drive,was loose.When I pulled it out,it was upside down.I then connected it the right way up and everything worked fine.

[KebabMeister]

Well, at least it's working now! :)