Computer has suddenly stopped detecting external Hard Drives

[Mithun_1]

My computer (WIndows 8, HP) has suddenly stopped ddetecting external HDDs. I was working and unplugged it (WD elements). When I replugged it, it didn't detect it. I have restarted, done a system restore but to no avail.

I tried plugging in another hard drive (Toshiba) and it's the same. It doesn't detect. Both the drives are working fine on another computer. And the computer which is not detecting them is ok with USB flash drives, phones etc. So The USB ports are fine. Only external HDDs are not being detected. There is no problem with the HDDs as they are being detected on other computers.

They are not detected in the disk management or device manager too. I really need help in this regard as I have some real important work to do.

Thanks guys!

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Welcome to the community, Mithun_1!

Have you tried all the USB ports on your PC? I'd suggest you go to the computer manufacturer's website and find your model there. You should be given a list of drivers & utilities that are specifically designed for your model and compatible with your Windows OS version. I'd recommend you to update the USB hub drivers manually from there, instead of letting Windows Updates take care of them. Are the WD Elements and your other external HDD using USB 3.0 connections?
I'd also recommend you to use Command Prompt (Run as Administrator) and use DiskPart and the command list disk while you have one of the externals connected, to see if the system will recognize it there at least.

Keep me posted!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[Mithun_1]

Thanks for your reply. I used the cable of my Toshiba hard-drive and it worked with both Toshiba and WD. The funny thing is that the cable of the WD is working with other computers but not mine. Yes they are both USB 3.0. So my problem is kinda solved as I can access the hard drives. Previously I used the WD cable for both of them.

It's wierd but I am kinda relieved. The WD cable doesn't work in my computer but works on others (with both HDDs). The Toshiba cable also works on my computer (with both HDDs).