ok, i left the old harddrive trying to start, and eventually it started to spin again. it also registers with the computer (no error 10 in the device manager, or any other erros). However, it won't read the volume. Any ideas?

scratch that. i'm an idiot, i didn't even have the SATA connector plugged into the harddrive. lol, k it's reading now, i'm just waiting for my new MyBook to reformat to NTFS. Then, i either have 500gb of storage and a new paper weight, or 1tb of storage, half of which is unreliable lol.

lol go for the paperweight option. better safe than sorry. im actually thinking of writing a letter of complaint to the CEO of Seagate.

see i got mine on the cheap and refurbished, so i'd be with you if it wasn't for that. i'll probably use it for junk files i don't care if i lose.

random question though, does anyone here have a WD mybook? i was in such a hurry to format it as NTFS i deleted all the software/config files off of it, and i know there's some backup software on there that i'd love. Any advice?

Dont know. But if you want them, you can download them for free from Western Digitals Website.

If you can get your data off the drive do it asap and yep a good paper weight!

yeah i got all the data off. funny thing is the drive is STILL Working. in fact i just turned the power on and off, and it still spun up.