Numerous factors such as corrupted drivers, faulty ports, insufficient port power, among others, could cause this issue. Consequently, a range of solutions exists. Since there’s no definitive way to identify the issue, begin with method 1 and proceed until the problem is resolved. However, initially go through troubleshooting to help pinpoint the source of the problem.
Method 1: Review Device Manager for disconnected devices
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10:
For Windows 7 and earlier versions:
After restarting your computer, reconnect your external hard drive and check if the issue is resolved. If not, repeat steps 1-9, right-click the greyed-out entry, and select ‘Scan for Hardware Changes’.
Method 2: Connect to the Back USB Port
If you’re using a front USB port to connect your Seagate external hard drive, you might encounter power issues as these ports sometimes provide insufficient power. For better power supply, try connecting your external hard drive to the computer’s rear USB port. You should try changing the port, even if your external hard drive isn’t a Seagate drive.
Method 3: Altering the Drive Letter
Method 4: Assign a Letter to the Drive Using Diskpart
Now, close Diskpart and verify if your computer recognizes the drive.
Method 5: Verify Power Source
If you’re using an adapter or hard drive enclosure with a 3.5-inch drive, insufficient power could be the issue. Some adapters include their own power supply, but most necessitate proper power connection for your drive. If you’re using an adapter or enclosure, connect it to a power supply to ensure sufficient power. Your USB port may not provide enough power for the drive. Please check the manufacturer’s website of the adapter or drive casing to confirm it meets the power requirements. Note: Some 2.5-inch drives may require more power than usual. If you’re using a 2.5-inch hard drive with an adapter, ensure it’s connected to a reliable power source.
Method 6: Repair Hard Drive Using Chkdsk
In extreme cases, your external hard drive may be damaged with bad sectors. This issue can be resolved by running the chkdsk repair tool. Chkdsk will identify and repair any bad sectors on your disk. The computer will now scan your drive for errors and attempt repairs if necessary. This process may be lengthy, so please be patient, even if initial progress seems slow.
Method 7: Enable External Drive
In rare instances, your external hard drive may automatically disable itself. Usually, re-enabling it resolves the issue. Double-click ‘Disk Drive‘ in the Device Manager to check the disk drives, ensuring they are enabled. If not, indicated by the same mark as on the USB Mass Storage, right-click and select ‘Enable‘. Check if the problem is solved.
