USB 3.0 hard disk not working on usb 2.0 port

[angrypig7]

Hi, I have an external 2.5' hdd with a usb 3.0 case and cable. It works prefectly on usb 3.0 port but nothing happens when I connect it to a 2.0 port. It only gives me the message that It has failed to install the drivers.
Is my hard drive not getting enough power on 2.0 port?
And if it is, should I buy a powered usb hub or stuff like that?

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there angrypig7,

The first thing you can do is to just attach the drive to a different USB 2.0 port. You can try the ones on the back of the computer case. In case the issue persists, it will not hurt to use a different USB cable as well. If you attach the drive to another system, you will be absolutely sure whether there is something wrong with your system or the drive itself.

Is the drive recognized under Device Manager when attached to USB 2.0? In case it is, you can do the following: Right click -> Uninstall -> Plug it out of the system -> reboot -> plug it back in and wait to install drivers.
Another thing you can try is to just go to your MOBO's website and update your USB drivers.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD

 

[QSV]

Its simple. An USB 2.0 port is in no case able to deliver enough power to spin up a 2.5" HDD.
You need an USB 3.0 port for that, because they are able to deliver more power.

 

[D_Know_WD]

@QSV If we assume that the HDD, the USB port and cable are working just fine, any USB 2.0 port should be able to power up a 2.5'' external HDD. One will need a power cord when talking about 3.5'' HDDs.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD

 

[angrypig7]

@QSV If we assume that the HDD, the USB port and cable are working just fine, any USB 2.0 port should be able to power up a 2.5'' external HDD. One will need a power cord when talking about 3.5'' HDDs.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD

I have tried my hard drive on different USB ports on different computers and on a TV too, but it doesn't seem to work on anything else than USB 3.0 port. Would I need a powered extension cable or some kind of a powered hub to power my hard drive? Or would there be any other ways to solve this problem?

 

[D_Know_WD]

Have you tried using a different USB cable? If you haven't, you need to try that.
You can see whether this is a power related issue, if you get one of those Y type of USB cables. Though, as I already mentioned, external 2.5'' drive shouldn't have external power source in order to operate properly.(no matter USB 3.0 or USB 2.0)

D_Know_WD

 

[angrypig7]

Have you tried using a different USB cable? If you haven't, you need to try that.
You can see whether this is a power related issue, if you get one of those Y type of USB cables. Though, as I already mentioned, external 2.5'' drive shouldn't have external power source in order to operate properly.(no matter USB 3.0 or USB 2.0)

D_Know_WD

Sorry for the late reply, been busy lately.
Anyway, I guess you were right. Should have listened to you. have tried using a Y type USB cable and it doesn't seem to work. Still only works on USB 3.0 ports. I even tried using Y type USB cable with my portable battery which can deliver up to 2 A. Also, I was wrong about my HDD working on TV. It actually works with or without Y type cables.
What should I try next?

 

[D_Know_WD]

Given all the things you've tried(different ports, cables, computers, etc.), I would say that most probably, there is something wrong with the enclosure. In case it is a third party one, you could consider getting another one.(in case the USB 2.0 support is important to you)

D_Know_WD