Does this mean bad HDD?

[corksil]

Hey, I was recently installing a hard drive in a new PC. The computer was freezing constantly, I was barely able to get through a Vista install. Then it appears the HDD died completely, it does not respond to power or anything else.

It is plugged in properly to SATA and power, and it makes no noise or vibration when the computer is switched on. It is a WD Raptop 10k RPM - the one with the window in the top so you can see it spin. I can look in the window and it does nothing at all.

I diagnose it to be dead, is this an appropriate diagnosis? Is anyone familiar with the warranty on such a drive? I bought it OEM from Newe** so I do not have a copy of the warranty. I believe Newe** charges a 15% restocking fee, so I would like to take up my claim directly with western digital. Thanks for the guidance.

[Lespaul20]

If it's not showing up in BIOS it sounds like it may be dead.

OEM Hard Drives from Newegg have the Limited 30-Day Return Policy, so if it's been less than 30 days then you can return/replace without restocking fees.

[EzyStvy]

Might try clearing the CMOS...

[Panama Red]

It is plugged in properly to SATA and power....



How did you connect the power? Some drives come with both a 4 pin molex connection and a sata power connector. If you connect both, the drive will be damaged. It's an either/or situation - never both.

[shadowpr]

Did you try changing the sata and power cables?

[corksil]

Yes, the drive was tried on Molex and SATA power sources, but never at the same time. It is currently un-responisive to either.

It does not show up in the BIOS, which originally led me to believe it was dead.

I had already tried clearing CMOS, which did not help. I will send the drive back to Newe** promptly, thank you all for your help with my problem.

[Brothersoft]

Hum, if you connect the power alone and your hdd makes no noise or vibration, the HDD may died, or maybe the hdd chipset was ruined accidently, you can try to change its mainboard (make sure using the same model), and see whether it will work..

[glc]

No, you do not want to mess with the drive's controller board when it's on warranty. That will void the warranty.