Hi Sarah
Sorry for the inconvenience caused.
This issue can be caused if any of the following situations exist:
The currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt
Your PC requires an update for issues that may conflict with a USB external hard drive and Windows
Windows may be missing other important updates hardware or software issues
Your USB controllers may have become unstable or corrupt
Your external drive may be entering selective suspend
Your PC motherboard may need updated drivers
Resolution
To resolve this issue, follow the steps in the methods below in the order listed. If the first method does not fix the problem, proceed to the next.
Method 1: Uninstall and then reconnect the external hard drive
This method resolves issues where the currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt.
Select Start, type Device Manager in the Search box
Select Device Manager from the returned list.
Select Disk Drives from the list of hardware
Press and hold (or right-click) the USB external hard drive with the issue, and select Uninstall.
After the hard drive is uninstalled, unplug the USB cable.
Wait for 1 minute and then reconnect the USB cable. The driver should automatically load
Check for the USB drive in Windows Explorer
Note Connecting your USB external hard drive into a non-powered USB hub can cause a lack of enough power to operate the external drive. Instead, plug it directly into your computer.
If your problem still persists, proceed to Method 3.
Method 2: Install the latest Windows Updates
This method will install the latest device drivers for your USB external hard drive.
Select the Start button, type Windows Update in the Search box, and then select Windows Update in the results pane.
Select Check for Updates. After the scan is complete, select Review optional updates.
Select the check box next to the updates, then select Install updates.
If prompted, review the license agreement, then select I Accept.
Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the updates.
If prompted, reboot your computer.
If your problem still exits, proceed to Method 4.
Method 3: Reinstall USB controllers.
This method resolves steps where the currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupted.
Select Start, then type device manager in the Search box, and then select Device Manager.
Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. Press and hold (or right-click) a device and select Uninstall. Repeat for each device.
Once complete, restart your computer. Your USB controllers will automatically install.
If your problem still exists, proceed to Method 5.
Method 4: Disable USB selective suspend setting.
This method prevents your USB external drive from powering down.
Select the Start button, type power plan in the Search box, and then select Choose a power plan.
Next to your currently selected plan, select Change Plan Settings.
Select Change advanced power settings.
Select the box to expand USB Settings > USB selective suspend settings.
Select Plugged in, select the drop down menu, and then select disabled.
If you're using a laptop, select Battery, select the drop down menu, and then select disabled.
Select Apply > OK.
Method 5: Install your motherboard's latest chipset drivers.
This method updates your motherboard's chipset drivers, so your computer will recognize your USB external hard drive.
Review your computer's documentation which should contain the name of the motherboard manufacturer.
Visit your computer manufacturer's support website. For a list of computer manufacturers' support sites, see Computer manufacturers' contact information.
Navigate their website to find the appropriate drivers for your motherboard. For assistance, contact your computer manufacturer.