Hi there laparse12,
This is really unpleasant.
I believe you can start with just using a different USB cable. Does the device require a power cable? In case it does, you will need to find another power cable as well.
The fact that the device is not recognized by both your laptop and desktop, rules out a possible driver/USB port related issue.
In case the issue persists, then I guess there is something wrong with the enclosure or the HDD itself. In both cases, your safest option for recoverying the data stored on the drive is to contact a data recovery company.
Apart from that, your other options are more or less the following:
- Contact the manufacturer and RMA the drive if it is under warranty.
- Some users attempt to take the drive out of the enclosure. I believe you've come across similar threads. Keep in mind that this will void the warranty and may not work due to multiple reasons(proprietary connectors, encryption, etc.).
- Try to access the drive with some data recovery and HDD testing tools. Yet, keep in mind that there is a chance that you won't be able to access the drive with software tools.
Thread on data recovery:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-1644496/lost-data-recovery.html
Testing tools:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/282651-32-best-diagnostic-testing-utility
Let me know in case you have some more questions,
D_Know_WD