USB connected HDD recognised but not identified

[GeordieLad]

For some reason (don't ask me why !!) I used Maxtor's LLF (low level format) utility on a 5T010H1 HDD some time ago. The HDD is currently in an external USB caddy connected to my PC. Try as I may I can't proceed further with disk partitioning or formatting (probably because there's no boot sector or MBR). The HDD is not shown in Maxtor's Seatools for Windows and also not in Win XP's Disk Management - although it DOES appear as a connected USB drive (clicking on Eject shows - sometimes but not always - the drive designation 5T010H1 and always USB Mass Storage Device at Location 0).

It also appears in Device Manager under Disk Drives - but only as Disk Drive (no other details) whereas my PC's HDD is detailed. Clicking on the unknown drive's Properties > General tab shows "This drive is working properly" - but it isn't! Clicking on the Troubleshoot button leads me nowhere - other than to the Internet!

In Device Manager, clicking on the Properties > Volumes tab shows:
Disk = Disk 1
Type = Unknown
Status = Unreadable
Partition Type = Not applicable
Capacity = 0MB
Unallocated space = 0MB
Reserved space = 0MB

Perhaps these results are to be expected after a low level format but, so far, I've been unable to progress further to creating an MBR, a high level format, etcetera or even to find if the disk is likely to be usable.

I'm a relative newbie and need to take special care not to inadvertently alter the primary HDD so would welcome any DETAILED advice on how to proceed with this external drive.

 

[thejackal85]

You don't see the drive in disk management in Windows? Even if you refresh/rescan it doesn't show up?

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there GeordieLad,

You can go to BIOS and see if the drive is recognized as having 0 MB. In case it is, then there is a possibility that your system recognizes only the enclosure.
This is further supported by the fact that the HDD is not recognized by Disk Management.
I think that you need to attach the HDD internally through SATA in order to be sure if there is something wrong with the enclosure or the HDD itself.

Let me know how this goes,
D_Know_WD