external hard drive detected but can't be opened

i have an external seagate hard drive probably for 2-3 years now.
always worked. I dont use it normally so I put it in a drawer for safe keeping.

decided to plug in today and computer has a hard time reading it.
it slowly detects it, but can't open it (it lags when i try).
Hard drive makes this spin stop, spin stop spin stop sound
seagate's diagnostics tools can't do any analysis since the drive can't be opened
running check disk right now for the past hour, nothing.

I've tried plugging it in different usb ports and rebooting the computer. same stuff.

 

As HDD get older, they tend to seize a little thereby requiring more power - are you able to plug in external power to the HDD?

Or possibly plugging it into a desktop computer (they don't limit power as much as notebooks do to their USB ports)?

What I would be doing (assuming the data is important) is removing the drive and putting into a desktop computer (or an HDD dock - USB 3 preferred) and copying the contents to a new external drive (or two) - remember, you might only have one chance to do this: make sure you're ready with the new drives when you attempt to read the old drive.

In the meantime, leave the drive be - you won't have unlimited attempts at getting it spinning properly.


Good luck.

 

thanks for the feedback! Unfortunately I can't plug external power since its a 2.5" portable HD. it runs entirely on USB power.
should I try stick it into a notebook?

 

Sure, if you have a notebook with two drive bays (and the required cage/connectors) that should be just as good as a desktop and much faster than even USB 3.0 to get the data off (if your other HDD has the capacity, of course).

 

if you managed to plug it into a notebook make sure you check on the smart data via crystal disk info, just so you know it might be the USB to SATA controller that failed to ask for power from the USB port to power the HDD, also you can check if you have a cable that takes 2 USB ports, one for power and another for power+data, it might be insufficient power or simply a failing drive -> getting either one replaced leaves you a perfectly working drive