My Maxtor 250GB just stopped working all of a sudden. When I connect to the computer, all it does is a whirring sound like it's trying to boot up, but it does not open so that I can access the data. What could be wrong? It is not a very old unit.

Sounds like the drive isn't working, but the next step is to try it on another computer. If it doesn't show up there either, then the drive is faulty.

i ounder stand my hdd have password protact in my house coumpeter win i go back my home then i open my hdd thanks for repply by.

try switching the jumpers to cable select

Hmm any sort of nise from the disk is not a good sign. try using the unit on another Pc. if you have the same issue you might have to take it for warranty.(if you have warranty)

Dear,
Please check it on the different computer with the same USB cord.

Regards,
Rakesh Kumar

How is it connected ? USB?
If you start w/o Maxtor connection is your PC starting correctly?
Is issue showing when you connect USB cable on working PC?

It sounds like your external hard drive went belly up unfortunately. Unless you backed up your files to another location (remember, backing up means having your files on 2 or more locations, not just "keeping them" on an external drive).

Are you connecting Drive via a USB hub or direct into two separate USB sockets on PC?

i have a feeling its not the hard drive thats bad i think it sounds like the case .
you can try buying another case and transfering the hard drive to it the case is around $20.00

you can try an FDISK form a windows boot disk, but you may need to read up a little on how to use it. or maxtor has a program available on their web sit called powermax that can try to find & repair possible problems. powermax may be the best & easiest way to go. good luck.