Windows Vista initialize but disk not ready

I have bought a 2.5 HDD for my laptop (Vista OS), Western Digital (WD1600BEVS) to use it as an external drive but when connected trough usb it does not show in my computer. In disk management it shows as an unknown drive and needs to be initialized, but when I right click and chose initialize either MBR or GUID I get disk not ready. I tried it on my desktop (Vista OS) but with the same result. I changed it with the HDD inside my laptop, installed OS with no problems but when I tried it again as an external drive I had the same problem ....any help please


ps. I also tried it as an external drive on my other desktop with XP but still with identical problem!!

 

External case model could help?

Have you tried another drive in the case?

 

Yes I have tried the HDD which was running in my laptop but also with the same result. I also tried the drive with another external case but still no succes. They both work perfectly when installed in laptop

 

Do other USB devices work on the Laptop?

 

yes no problem with my pendrives and webcam and bluetooth dongle

 

Ok I'm at a loss, but just to sum up...

You have 2 HD's which work ok when installed in the system but don't work when installed via USB and two external cases, though USB works ok.

The only common factor is the Laptop or have you tried connecting the drive(s) to another system? If so do they work then?

 

Yes you got it right. Yes I have tried them on two other desktops with vista and xp but with same results. I really need help here

 

Then I'm completely at a loss, do any of the two cases work with any drive on any system?

From the information you have given I'd think it's a hardware (external case) problem, but for two to fail would be unusual. These cases, are they the same and are they externally powered or using power from USB?

 

One is powered from usb (two ports) and the other with an external power supply which works well with other IDE (first time with sata drive) drives when connected with usb ports. I hope that I am clear enough with my explanation since it appears to be against all logic

 

Mario you are clear and I agree it is against all logic. I'm going to be offline for a few hours but please supply information (model/manufacturer) about the cases and maybe someone else will step in to assist. Otherwise I'll be back online around 10pm my time (about 6 hours) and I'll look in on this thread, but to be honest right now I don't have a clue.

 

Thanks anyway...I will be going away too very soon since I am night duty and will be again online some time near midday tomorrow after a rest. Im afraid I have no specifications re hdd external case just one of them is Sumvision E-Gem USB2 Enclosure for 2.5" SATA Drives the other is generic. Thanks again

mario