It depends, have you crossed over from a mac to a pc? they need different formatting.

If not,

It is most likely a faulty USB drive in the computer, if it works with one drive then it should work with another.

check it on a different computer and see if it works and let us know

As Outsider said, let us know what sort of computers you're using at each end. The drive may have been formatted in a particular way by default - possibly FAT32.

There are pros/cons with different file systems. e.g., Macs can read one of the Windows file systems, but not write to it. A Mac can read/write to HFS/HFS+ but a PC won't know what to do with it.

If you can still read the drive via the laptop, you can likely rule out failure of the drive, boot record, enclosure, etc.

Let me guess they are running Win 2000 at your work?

;)

I have had this problem with 2 x 1TB Western Digital USB HDD. Neither of them worked on either of the 2 front USB ports on my PC at work - everything else works fine on them. I plugged them into the USB ports on the back of the PC and there is no problem. I have no idea why, but massive coincidence that it was 2 WD drivers

Stevie, is this a portable drive or full-size? Does it have a power brick or is it drawing power from the USB connection?

Stevie J,

Had the very same problem with the very same WD portable storage device. Fortunately for me the portable was recognised by my father-in-law's PC so I could retrieve all the data. One day it worked just fine, the next day my laptop no longer recognised it. Attempted to reformat after the event and still no luck. Even tried it on a mate's PC but no luck and again at work. All 4 pc's were on Windows operating systems, don't understand why it was recognised on just one of them.

Interestingly I was only looking at mine again today and intend to notify WD over the weekend about the product's failings. I've had mine just over 12 months but their warranty is good for three years in the Asia Pacific region. They offer a technical support service which you can contact by ringing 1800429861 or email: support.wdc.com

Knowing that another person has experienced the same problem as myself and that this matter is being discussed on a public forum might provide WD with a little more incentive to deliver a satisfactory after market service to us both. The sixers might win on the road this season too!

A little vague there Stevie J,

No mention of OS, whether it was still working when taking home. Im guessing you dont have a mac as Isaac suggested, otherwise you probably would have mentioned it.

That other people in your office are having the same problem, would indicate that usb drives have been locked out by GP, or that you only have user level rights and your HD is looking to install software for encryption purposes (have seen this a number of times).

Front usb ports as mentioned are often under powered or even disconnected. However, as its happening to rear ports, this is unlikely to be the issue. Sometimes to get the extra juice, you need to plug both usb connections in (have seen this on crappy old microbits boxes and 2.5" WD HD's.)

Hope some or any of this was of use.
Help desk hours are 9-5 :)