I/O device error however I can see thumbnails of photos and it shows up on My Computer. I can't save or transfer files and not

[artisticchic]

Okay, yes, I'll send you some cookies! My Passport external harddrive has been working wonderfully. Now, I can't access the folders. I can see thumbnails and it loads and the light is on but I get that I/O device error and failure to write. PLEASE, for the love of cookies, help me!?

 

[ronintexas]

It sounds like your hard drive is dying....you can try it on another computer (sometimes this does work).

 

[artisticchic]

Oops, its the seagate freeagent go

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there artisticchic,

I/O(input/output) error are most of the times related to connection issues. You can try connecting the device with a different cable to a different USB port. Trying it on another PC is a good idea too.
Another thing you can do is to run the WD's Data Lifeguard Diagnostic tool and test the HDDs health.

WD DLG: http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=810&lang=en

D_Know_WD

 

[artisticchic]

Well, it is a seagate freeagent go. For some reason, I thought it was the WD. I've tried 3 different cables and 7 different computers. I was able to transfer one folder of photos by individually selecting them and copying them onto a desktop. It is recognized by the computer, shows up under My Computer, loads and everything, but always has the I/O error and delayed write failed. I read online on some forums about Dell and BIOS? I don't know what BIOS is but they were saying turn if off. It worked great for awhile and now, it's like...I don't want to work....UH!

 

[D_Know_WD]

After the issue persists when connected to various computers, I would say it has nothing to do with the BIOS.
Bad sectors could be another reason that may cause your issue. You can check the following thread: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1910707/western-digital-external-drive-error.html
If this works, I would suggest you to copy and back up the data on the drive to your PC. After that you can check the drive the following way: Go to My Computer -> Properties -> Tools -> Check now-> click on the two boxes -> Start.
If the solution from the thread does not work, you can just try the error checking method I have already mention.

Hope this will help,
D_Know_WD