Can't boot from SSD with HDD plugged in?

[d33pblue]

I've got a weird problem that has recently cropped up. My computer cannot boot with a (non-boot) WD Black HDD plugged into the motherboard.

I've been running this setup for a while now (18 months) with no issues, but now, all of a sudden the computer refuses to boot from the SSD with the WD Black plugged in. As soon as I unplug it, the comp boots just fine. I've tried the HDD with other SATA ports, no dice. I've tried safe mode and windows recovery, nothing works. The computer will not boot in any way, shape, or form with that hard drive plugged in. It makes it to the "starting windows" screen and just stays there indefinitely.

The HDD is not making any noises and performance seems normal. I had this exact same issue happen about 4 months ago but after a few reboots the problem cleared on its on. Back then I wasn't able to figure out what was wrong, I was just glad it went away. I now seemed to have found the issue, and I'm very confused as to what is going on here.

My system:
Intel 2600k processor
Asus P8P67 LE mobo
8 GB Gskill ram
Win 7 64-bit.

180GB Intel 330 SSD (boot)
2TB WD black (storage)
2 x 2TB WD Green (storage)
2TB Hitatchi (storage)

Does this mean the hard drive has gone bad? Is there anything else I can do to troubleshoot before I RMA?

 

[jimmybgood9]

I guess if the box won't boot with the drive attached, it's pretty hard to run diagnostics on it. Still, it is booting which leaves the possibility of a Windows software error. Have you tried booting a Windows CD or an alternative rescue CD? That would make it easier to either confirm a rule out the disk failure.

 

[d33pblue]

It won't boot to the windows CD or into safe mode with the HDD in question plugged in.

 

[pwoz]

Should be able to hot swap it in once windows has booted.