How do I get my computer to recognize my hard drive?

[kcorscadden]

I bought the WD Caviar Black HD. I am placing it in a external case.

Now when I plug in the USB cable to the computer, the computer recognizes that the HD has been connected, but I can't access the HD. Like when I plug in my USB drive, it automatically recognizes the USB drive and it even tells you what USB port you are on. This doesn't happen with the HD. I know what USB port should be coming up, but it isn't.

What do I do?

[Zero1]

I bought the WD Caviar Black HD. I am placing it in a external case.

Now when I plug in the USB cable to the computer, the computer recognizes that the HD has been connected, but I can't access the HD. Like when I plug in my USB drive, it automatically recognizes the USB drive and it even tells you what USB port you are on. This doesn't happen with the HD. I know what USB port should be coming up, but it isn't.

What do I do?

You need to format it in disk management:

Right click on my computer and go to manage. Then go to disk management and you will another hard drive on the bottom identifying all your drives. Right click and format.

[kcorscadden]

You need to format it in disk management:

Right click on my computer and go to manage. Then go to disk management and you will another hard drive on the bottom identifying all your drives. Right click and format.

Ok I have Vista, so where do I go for that?

[Zero1]

Ok I have Vista, so where do I go for that?

Same method in Vista and XP.

[flyz]

Start > Run > diskmgmt.msc

[kcorscadden]

The only thing I see is the "Computer" where it has all my hard drives and USB ports listed.

However it doesn't show the new HD, so how can I format something that isn't showing up?

[kcorscadden]

Alright I figured out how to format, I think... Now just have to wait it out.

I am pretty good with technology, but I am not too familiar with new HD's