SRS -

As Jon said, check the BIOS settings. The "magic key" varies somewhat with different makers, but I believe F2 during boot is pretty standard(?).

It's pretty rare for PnP not to automatically recognize a hard drive unless there's a physical problem with the drive. With the problems you've had, it's possible that the drive has failed "mechanically."

As suggested above, you may be able to download a setup/diagnostics program from the drive mfr's website that may help if you can't get to it in BIOS. These programs generally include "recognition" routines to find drives that don't pop up automatically, and usually - unlike PnP that expects only working drives - they can find one that's not fully setup and running.

Note that the diagnostics in most of these programs include some "destructive tests" that can wipe out the data on a drive, so you do need to read the instructions. I've not attempted to use the program from one manufacturer to read another maker's drives; but in theory that should be permissible if you can't find the perfect fit. Look at "support" or "downloads" at the HD websites.

While it may not be quite time for the drastic measures, this Horror Story may be of interest??????

John