USB hard disk problem

[bcostacurta]

Hello,

I have the following problem with a new external USB hard disk when inserting (in an Ubuntu 8.10) and so I cannot moun it.

...
hub 5-0:1.0: unable to enumerate USB device on port 1
hub 5-0:1.0: unable to enumerate USB device on port 1
usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 14
usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71
usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71
usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 15
usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71
usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71
usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 16
...

Is the hard disk already damaged ?
Can I force some mount and reformat ?

Thanks for info / resolution about this.

Bye,
Bruno

[Charles4809]

There was a time when the kernel had a problem with the ATA devices, being slow and all. Don't know if this is the cause of your problem.
USB connections on the backsite of your computer might give a better result.
Does your drive have power of its own? Otherwise maybe you need to use 2 ports (1 for signal and power, the second cable for power only) in order to have enough power on the drive because USB 1,1 is limited.

[bcostacurta]

Indeed the device has two USB connectors and power on its own.
As you suggested, I connect both plugs : works slightly better but the hard disk still freeze after few seconds ending with same problems I mentionned in my first email.

I suspect maybe this is a simple hardware problem ?
My vendor confirms I'm able to obtain a replacement so I'll go this way for a (hopefully) solution.

Regards,
Bruno