There is a possibility that the problem here is with the USB controllers in WinXP and not with the hard drive itself.

Microsoft hasn't provided the advice merited by the number of questions I've seen unanswered. For WinXP however there is at least one page that might be helpful.

I would still recommend a good backup before diving in, but you might try:

Advanced troubleshooting tips for general USB problems in Windows XP

There is another "more advanced" troubleshooting page that looks like it more closely describes the "symptom" seen here, but the page warns that it applies only to "Server 2003," and appears to require use of management functions not present - or not accessible - in WinXP.

Note that the procedure at this link tells you do disable/remove all USB controllers and then reboot (if you have to go that far). You probably have a USB mouse, and/or a USB keyboard, both of which will cease to work when you disable the USB controller that's running them. I've found no simple way of determining what device attaches to which controller.

It appears not to have occured to Microsoft that some people may have trouble rebooting and reinstalling things without a working mouse or keyboard. You may need to "think ahead" about what's going to happen next if you try to work through the steps given.

John