Simpletech Signature Mini not recognized

If you have a SimpleTech SimpleDrive connected to your computer and you're experiencing problems with the external hard drive, there may be several reasons why it's malfunctioning. Troubleshooting your computer can help rule out common problems and the possibility that the hard drive may be defective. If you recently purchased the device and suspect there is something wrong with it, return the defective drive to SimpleTech or the reseller for a replacement. Incompatible USB Port Problems SimpleTech SimpleDrive plug and play options makes it easy for you to connect the device to your computer. But you may encounter problems if your computer's USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are not compatible with the external hard drive. Make sure your ports are powerful enough to operate the drive. USB 2.0 ports are recommended, but if you're using an older computer with 1.0 ports, the hard drive will function much slower or you may receive an error message that the device is not compatible with your system. b> Missing External Drive Letter If you're unable to find the SimpleTech external hard drive's letter on your desktop after you have installed the drivers for the device, it's possible that the external drive may be assigned to another drive. Sometimes, the hard drive is assigned to a network drive and you may need to manually change the drive's letter in Disk Management. b> SimpleTech SimpleDrive Incorrectly Formatted b> SimpleTech SimpleDrive is normally pre-formatted for Windows NTFS (New Technology File System), but Mac users may need to copy the backup software and reformat the external hard drive for FAT32 or Mac OS to be able to use the external drive. If the external hard drive is not formatted correctly for your system, it may not function or work properly. b> External Hard Drive Inaccessible If you receive an error message that says "Drive Inaccessible," the SimpleTech SimpleDrive may not be able to read the service area of the platter. If the external hard drive emits a loud or abnormal sound, this could mean the device is failing.
Test the drive on another computer to see if it is working properly. Otherwise, the external hard drive's surface area may be damaged or corrupted.
Replacing a Defective Hard Drive You can return a defective hard drive that is under warranty to SimpleTech. The manufacturer will exchange the device if the seal is not broken. But if you break or tear the seal on the case, any warranty claims will not be accepted and the device will be returned back to you. SimpleTech will only accept the device if you contracted a commercial data recovery company to retrieve critical data from the external hard drive and the seal needed to be broken. Before returning the defective drive, you will need to secure a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) approval number from SimpleTech and furnish any invoices or documentation regarding the data recovery company's services
or if its a usb external drive you might need a usb 3 card installed on your computer your computer might not have enough usb output power USB 3 card will provide more power when needed to the device to gain maximum throughput and conserve power when the device is connected but is idling http://blog.premiumusb.com/2010/09/usb-2-0-vs-usb-3-0/ these can be purchased on Ebay cheap and easy to install http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PCI-e-PCI-Express-USB3-0-Card-new-NEC-720200AF1-chipset-/330608109325?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf9c7670d for roughly $9 or $10free postage Hope this helps.

hi
check for virus or
2 scandisk or
3 copy the files then format the disk again

hi your hard disk got problem
but check in control panel > administrator tools> disk managment if there is any drive that not formated you lost your partition or got viruses otherwise your hard disk physically is damaged

Yes, it is a "plug-and-play" device, and Apple OS X supports such P&P devices.

Not exactly a solution but I have had the same problem with one of these Simple Tech Signature Mini 320's for a while. Real finicky. Will only be recognized on direct connected to MB USB ports and even then with Win 7 or XP I get the "This USB device can perform faster if you connect it to a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port." no matter what ports I connect it to. While having this issue on this "main" computer I have previously connected it to some other computer (don't remember which, now) and it connected at 2.0 speed. What's going on??

When you plug the drive in, Windows should recognize it and make it immediately available for your use.

To confirm this, click Start then Computer and it should show up as a device with removable storage. If you click on the Signature drive, you will see the contents of the drive and you can use it just as ou would your "C:" drive.

I have the same issue. I have 4 Simpletech Signature 250GB drives. They all worked fine at first. After about six months two of them started connecting at USB 1 speeds. It occurs on 4 different computers!!! The post about it being the computer assumes is wrong. How can it work fine for six months and then suddenly change. Also it occurs on different computers. I have submitted a tech support request with simpletech and will post the results.

if you hear a constant clicking return the drive it is faulty.

I asume the connection is via an USB?
Try another usb-port and see if that helps, if not try to connect the disc on another PC (maybe a friends pc) and see is that pc recognize the disc.

Good luck!

check the power for the drive and also try changing the cable.
does the system display that usb device not recognised if it doesnt then the problem is with the wire.