External WD HDD 3.0 USB 3TB I/O error

[Max]

Hi techies,

Basically I have a problem with my external hdd and don't know how to fix it.. It won't read or come up in my computer. I checked disk management and it says the drive isn't initialized, so I tried to initialize it but it comes up with an I/O error.
I've tried multiple things such as plugging into a different pc, changed cables, put the AC in a main socket and also tried in command prompt chkdsk but of course that won't work because the hdd won't assign a drive letter.

Anyone have any ideas how to fix this initialize I/O error? Or is the hdd cactus?

[v4moose]

just a though and im no where near a techy - but have a look around and see if there is a firmware or driver update.?

is it a new drive? or a drive which was working previously and has suddenly died?

[Dinwiddie]

It may be a problem with the circuit in the HDD's box.
Have you tried removing the HDD from the box and installing it directly into your machine ?

[ginji]

It may be a problem with the circuit in the HDD's box.
Have you tried removing the HDD from the box and installing it directly into your machine ?

If this is an purchased external drive (i.e. not a drive you put in an external casing) then this will void your warranty, and it isn't possible to do in all cases as some externals have custom connectors to prevent this from happening.

If you're getting those errors, then the drive is dead. RMA it and get a new one if it's under warranty. If you had any data on it, it's probably gone now (unless you want to pay through the nose for a data recovery service)

[PirateEggs]

Does your motherboard support 3TB drives?