Desktop won't recognize the HDD. How to I rule out total failure?

[Zak Hutchinson]

BIOS doesn't detect a hard drive. I tried switching the SATA and power cables with the ones connected to my Blu Ray player, which BIOS recognized and it still doesn't recognize the HDD. I can't tell if it is spinning. When I put my hand under it I feel air but I can't tell if that's just a fan from the case.

 

[Chicano]

1. Some HDDs head locks-up and the platter/s seize... therefore there's no data reading for the hdd to be detected. So, try to determine if it's spinning/motor is running... because that being the case, if it contains important data, it would be better protected if you don't run the HDD.

2. Try hearing the HDD spin with a rubber hose, or at least with a rolled paper/carboard sheet.

3. HDDs warm up so try feeling it and comparing it's temp to another running HDD.

https://acsdata.com/seized-platters/
http://www.hddlab.co.uk/hard-disk-drive-failure-symptoms-hard-drive-failure-guide/

If you manage to determine the HDD is spinning:

4. Try setting the BIOS SATA Controller to AHCI, later to IDE Mode if necessary.

BTW: HDDs don't move air so what you feel is air from the front panel fan/s.

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there Zak Hutchinson,

If the drive doesn't appear under BIOS, then it has most probably failed.

Just attach it to another system. That way you will be 100% sure if this is the case.

In case it is under warranty, you can just RMA it.
If you have some really important data stored on it, you will need to contact a data recovery company.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD