3.5-inch HDD with SATA-to-USB2 controller, not working

[wajed]

I got a 3.5-inch 7200RPM HDD (WD5000AAKS) and I could my SATA-to-USB2 controller in the SATA port, when I connect the controller to a USB cable, the controller get recognized as Initio Default Controller.

The HDD doesn't appear in My Computer. Shouldn't it work with the SATA-to-USB2 contoller?

I don't feel the HDD is moving, but the controller's light is on.

 

[pete1229]

It will not appear in My Computer until you format and assign it a drive letter. Right click Computer in the start menu and choose manage/disk management, you should see the drive there, format it and assign it a drive letter and you should be good to go.

 

[wajed]

It's not new.

I bought it with 300GB of data from someone.

So, I think it doesn't need to be formatted.

I open Disk Management, and I don't see anything related to 500GBs.

Maybe I should buy a USB cable with extra plug for power?

 

[pete1229]

Yes you will need to power the drive/controller, what is the make abd model of the controller?

 

[wajed]

How can I know? I think the brand is "Apex"
There are several serial numbers, but the one on the green board is:-
4060-705020-000 REV A

BTW, it works with another 2.5-inch 500GB HDD perfectly.

I will go to a computer shop and try it with a dual USB connector (one power, one data) then report back

 

[corkyg]

Your best bet is to put the drive in a USB external SATA case such as Vantec NexStar 3. You can then hot plug it as needed and use it on any computer.

 

[wajed]

I think the 3.5-inch HDD can't/couldn't take enough power from USB.

I bought an enclosure (with the power not from USB,) and it worked.

Thanks for help.

 

[mfenn]

I think the 3.5-inch HDD can't/couldn't take enough power from USB.

That is correct.