Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ not being detected.

[Zuckerton]

So while I was fixing my Grandma's Computer, I decided to purchase the Themaltake BlacX Dual Docking Station so that I can connect her old hard drive up to my computer externally and run some tests on it.

It worked great and I've actually been using it to hook up and repartition old drives. I purchased the HD103SJ (a 1TB HDD) for $20. When I connected it to my computer through the Docking Station, it isn't even recognized. Not through Disk Manager, Repartition Bad Drive, or through EaseUs Partition Master.

The drive spins, so it's not a power issue. The Docking Station has had other 1TB and even 2TB HDDs connected to it (even ones ranging as far back as 2009), so it shouldn't be an issue with the BlacX.

I opened my PC and disconnected the HDDs that were in there and connected the HD103SJ and it isn't seen in the BIOS. I contacted the seller and he said it worked 100% when it left. I tried to upgrade the firmware, but again, the BIOS doesn't see the drive.

Is there something I'm missing?

 

[Zuckerton]

The seller gave a full refund, but I'm still attempting to see what's going on with this drive. I've never had an issue like this before.

Ideas? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there, Zuckerton!

I'd recommend you attempt to connect the HDD using a different SATA cable. However, it's highly likely that the drive has simply failed or got damaged during the shipping/delivery. If it doesn't get properly detected from the docking station and via SATA (internally), it is possible that the issue is with the connector. However, I'm afraid there's not much you can do. You will need to get the drive recognized somewhere in order to proceed with the troubleshooting.
I'd get a replacement product from the reseller or the manufacturer, if the HDD has a limited warranty period.

Best of luck!
SuperSoph_WD