2.5 HDD External Case Not Detected | How to Fix a Missing 2.5″ External Case

Facing trouble with 2.5 HDD external case not detected issue, and consequently, searching for the appropriate solution to get rid of it, right?

Good thing is, you have come to the right place. This article contains all possible fixes indeed. I am writing this article to assist you. After exploring this fixed article, you will not need to search here and there for an effective solution. 

Reason Why 2.5 HDD External Case is Not Detected

There can be several reasons why 2.5 external HDD may not be detected. Here are the most common reasons –

1. Partition Issues on the external HDD.
2. Problem with the USB ports.
3. Outdated Disk Driver in Windows.
4. Connection Issues.
5. Faulty BIOS Settings.
6. Problem with the File System on HDD.

Now, let’s see how you can easily fix this issue.

How to Fix a Missing 2.5″ HDD External Case?

So, when you fall into a trap of the discussed issue, you will have several options to apply. Before entering the details of the fixes, let’s check the list first.

• Fix 1: Try Another USB Port
• Fix 2: Disconnect USB device
• Fix 3: Unplug the Power Supply Cable
• Fix 4: Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting
• Fix 5: Customize USB Root Hub Settings
• Fix 6: Update Disc Driver
• Fix 7: Change Drive Letter And Paths

Fix 1: Try Another USB Port

When your external hard disc does not work, the first thing you need to do is to change the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. It is a proven way to resolve the issue. So, you can apply it.

If you have already applied the fix and don’t get any positive results, you will have to follow the other fixes.

Fix 2: Disconnect USB device

When no port works for your external drive, you can try this fix to resolve the issue. To do so, 

Firstly, take off the drive from the USB port.

Next, restart the PC.

Lastly, inject the drive into a USB port. 

If it still does not work, you will need to move to the next one.

Fix 3: Unplug the Power Supply Cable

In many cases, the fix has resolved the issue. You can apply so. 

To apply it-

Firstly, you have to shut down your PC. 

Then, unplug the power supply cable from the computer.

After that, you have to leave the power supply disconnected for a couple of minutes. 

Lastly, inject the cable and turn on the PC. Hopefully, you will get a positive result. 

In case you don’t, you will have some other software settings-related fixes to resolve the discussed issue. 

Fix 4: Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

When hardware-related upper fixes fail to help you, you can try this kind of settings-related fix. To apply the fix, you need to apply the following steps.

Step 1

Tap the Windows key and type ‘control panel’. Accordingly, you will see the preface of the ‘Control Panel’ app. You have to click on it. 

Step 2

Consequently, the ‘Control Panel’ window will appear on the screen. Here you need to select ‘Category’ as a ‘View by’ option. You can change it from the right corner of the window. Then you have to select the ‘Hardware and Sound’ category. 

Step 3

After that, a related window will be visible. From here, you need to click on ‘Power Options’.

Step 4

Then, find the ‘Change plan settings‘ and select it. 

Step 5

Next, tap the blue-colored ‘Change advanced power settings‘ option from the newly appeared window. 

Step 6

As a result, the ‘Power Options’ window will appear. Here, you need to expand the ‘USB settings’ section. 

Step 7

Next, you will see the ‘USB selective suspend settings’ are enabled. You have to change it. So click on ‘Enabled’.

Step 8

Consequently, you will get the ‘Disabled’ option. You have to select it. Then tap the ‘Apply‘ tab and ‘Ok’ at the end. 

Finally, check your external HDD. Will it be detected or not? There will be topmost possibilities for resolving the issue by applying this fix.

Fix 5: Customize USB Root Hub Settings

In case the error still exists, you can customize the ‘USB Root Hub’ settings to get rid of the error. I will attach the full process below.

Step 1

Right-click on the Start menu. Consequently, some options will appear in a list. From here, you have to select the ‘Device Manager’.

Step 2

Accordingly, the ‘Device Manager’ window will become evident on the screen. You have to expand the ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’ section from the appeared device list.

Step 3

Then, you will find the ‘USB Root Hub’ option under the ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers‘ section. You have to right-click on it and select the ‘Properties’ from the appeared context menu. 

Step 4 

After that, tap the ‘Power Management’ tab from the top menu bar. 

Step 5

Next, uncheck the ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ box and tap the bottom-lined ‘Ok’ tab. 

Finally, restart the PC and try to connect your external HDD errorlessly.

Fix 6: Update Disc Driver

When the external HDD appears on the Device Manager list and you can not open it, you need to follow this kind of fix then. I will attach the detailed process below.

Step 1

Again you have to work with the ‘Device Manager’. To do so, follow the first step from Fix 5. 

Step 2

After that, find and expand the ‘Disk drives’ section. Here it will be listed alphabetically. 

Step 3

Then right-click on the external HDD and select the ‘Update driver’ option from the appeared context menu. 

Step 4

Next, you have to choose how you want to install the update, either manually or automatically. 

Step 5

Finally, follow the on-screen direction to complete the process successfully.

If there is no available update, you will have to apply the next one to resolve the issue. 

Fix 7: Change Drive Letter And Paths

You can try to fix the issue by changing the drive letter and path. You can apply this fix only if the external drive option appears on the Disc Management. I will include the changing process below.

Step 1

Tap the Windows key and type ‘computer management’. As a result, a preface of the app will appear on the right corner of the existing interface. From here, you have to click on the ‘Run as administrator’ option.

Step 2

Consequently, the ‘Computer Management’ window will become evident on the screen. Look at the left menu. You will see the ‘Disk Management’ under the ‘Storage’ section. You have to click on it. 

Step 3

Then, give your concentration to the middle pane of the appeared window. Right-click on the external HDD option and choose the ‘Change Drive Letter and Paths’ from the context menu. 

Step 4

After that, click on the ‘Add’ option. 

Step 5

Accordingly, the ‘Change Drive Letter or Path’ window will prompt. From here, you have to mark the ‘Assign the following drive letter’ circle and choose a different letter. 

Finally, check your external HDD whether it works or not. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Install 2.5 HDD External Case Correctly?

If the 2.5 HDD external case isn’t installed correctly, then your computer may unable to detect the HDD. To install it correctly, remove all visible screws from the enclosure and remove the cover out of case. Then insert the drive into the enclosure, connect it to the connectors, and screw the drive into place. Finally, screw the outer cover.

Why Can’t I See HDD In BIOS?

If your HDD isn’t showing up in BIOS, then there is a possibility that the USB cable is loosened or the USB port is damaged. You can try another port or change the cable to check if the issue is solved or not. Also, check if the HDD is disabled in BIOS or not.

How Do I Enable HDD In BIOS?

To enable HDD in BIOS, restart the PC and press f2 to enter BIOS. Then navigate to Setup and check System documentation to see if the HDD is turned Off in the System Setup or not. If it is turned Off, turn it On, Exit BIOS, and save the changes. Finally, reboot your computer and you can find your hard drive in the BIOS now.

Does 2.5 HDD Need External Power?

No, a 2.5” SATA or IDE HDD doesn’t need external power. However, if the HDD has two USB cables, then it means it needs extra external power for the hard disk. From this point of view, some 2.5 HDDs need external power.

Can USB power 2.5 HDD?

Yes, USB is able to power 2.5-inch HDDs. But the 3.5 inches HDDs require more electricity and that’s why USB can’t power them. They must be connected to an external power supply or AC/DC power adapter to operate.

Final Words

In the end, I hope you are out of the 2.5 HDD external case not detected issue. I would recommend you to apply the common fixes first that I have discussed from fix 1 to 3. If somehow these do not help you, follow the fix no. 4 & 5. And you need to follow fix no. 6 and 7 rarely.