Dak

Hi. I'm new to this forum. I have had a similar problem with the maxtor. Basically, it is cheap rubbish, but here is a solution that I hope works for you: Get a new USB lead. The one they provide is often faulty. Once connected, if it is still 'unknown device' in Device manager, briefly disconnect power lead (5 secs) from hard drive. Once reconnected it should come up in d.m. as mass storage device. Right click it and scan for hardware changes. Then open the drive and copy everything you need before throwing it into the nearest bin! Hope this works for you.