x300 + WD Passport External hard drive = Problems

hello...long time lurker/reader, first time poster.
I have a Dell x300 and a brand new Western Digital external 2.5" hard drive. It is supposed to get power via the USB port as it does not come with an additional power supply.

My problem is that the x300 does not recognize it.

I have confirmed that the drive works on other PCs, and I have confirmed that the USB port is working...I just don't think that enough power is being pushed to the hard drive.

So my question is this...does anyone have a configuration like I have described, and have you had the same problems I am having? If not, what did you do to get it to work?

thanks in advance...
Chris

 

No,my uncle is doing the same-no problems !!!

 

thanks for the quick reply. 2 other questions.
Is it a 250GB model? and is he using the standard 1-USB port connector, or the 2-UsB port "Y" connector that provides additional power?

 

Hi ocphoto, I have the same problem, did you get the drive to work on a X300. I've tried all USB-ports (even on the docking-station) and doesn't find anything! And yes, the drive works as a charm on other computers.

 

jojacoder...it works on occasion. I find that if I power it up on the docking station (or plugged in), then the drive works. However, if I undock, unplug, or allow the hard drive to idle...the drive becomes unusable.

Not exactly an ideal situation, but it can work.

Also, I am using a Y connection that is taking up both USB ports on my X300.