My Passport Essential (USB 3.0) not loading in Windows

WD External and Portable SSD Portable SSD
1

I’ve had a My Passport Essential USB 3.0 for some time now. I’ve had no previous issues and have accessed data as recently as 3 days ago. My issue is that when I plug the drive into my computer’s USB, the drive does not show up/load on the computer. 

Here’s some information that may be useful:

  • The light on the passport drive is on when the cable is inserted into the USB drive.
  • I’ve tried the original cable as well as a new cable. Neither seem to make a difference
  • The drive vibrates a tiny bit when it’s initially plugged in.
  • I’ve tried plugging it in to several USB ports and none work.
  • I’ve tried plugging it into a computer with Windows 8 as well as two other computers with Windows 7 - none work.
  • The device does not show up in the device manager
  • I’ve reinstalled the driver from this website on multiple computers and none work.
  • I’ve tried to run the diagnostic test listed in several of the forum reponses, but the device drive doesn’t even show up for me to choose to run the test.
  • Last time I checked, the passport was about half full of data.
  • Once plugged into a computer, there’s no sign of the device anywhere and the only thing that gives me hope is the light on the passport letting me know it’s plugged in. =)

Any help would be insanely appreciated. I’m a photographer and nearly all of my work is stored on the drive.

2

I too have the exact same issue.

Anyone’s help would be much appreciated.

3

PDP09

If it helps, I’m now at the stage of having a professional recover the data and discard the drive. I’ve had a few people examine the drive and they seem to think a part is loose within the hard drive itself. I have a friends dad, who’s a professional, looking at it tonight and attempting to recover the data. If that fails, I’ll be sending it off where it’ll cost anywhere from $600 - to a couple of thousand. IF the data can be restored, I’ll be moving to an online storage and back up company called “Crash Plan +”

Best of luck.