Iomega 100MB USB Zip Drive - not powering on

[Grae_j]

Hi,

I have an Iomega 100MB USB zip drive. I last used it in 2005 and then stored it in a safe place. I pulled it out this week to transfer the files off the disks, but it doesn't power up. I tested the power supply with a multimeter and that is working. I pulled the case off and there are no lights or any changes when I connect the power supply. The computer does not acknowledge it when I connect the USB cable.
Do these units just die in storage?

 

[drtweak]

there could have been moisture or something else that could have killed it and shorted out the drive.

Is this an external USB zip drive?

 

[Grae_j]

there could have been moisture or something else that could have killed it and shorted out the drive.

Is this an external USB zip drive?

Hi drtweak, It is an extenral USB drive (the stylish looking one with the contoured case). Moisture is a reasonable theory, but I had it stored away from moisture. It was kept in my bedroom, basically at the back of a cupboard and wrapped up. That's what's puzzled me - why it just decides to stop working.

I am not an expert on Zips, but I'm wondering if there are components that decay - maybe capacitors or something that dry/rot out? Probably doesn't happen to all units, maybe I'm just lucky?