I got a box of old computer stuff at a yard sale a while back like $5 had 2 external drives in it. I tried both showed in windows, but one failed format, and bios tests. the other the enclosure was shot, one was IDE the other sata so no combining =( disappointing part was the bad was 500GB. I was looking at box I gently slanted them side to side heard nothing lose or retelling after trying them the 500GB out of case makes a lot of noise. hear like a whir type noise I think from the arm assembly. I was thinking why would it start after using it unless jammed, and why would it make like whirling sound. usually in use they make like churning sound. only thing I can think is bearing, and drive is only like 4 yrs old. I was kind of surprised something like that fail that quick. I have 20GB WD from 98 that still works perfect. I'm starting to agree which what a lot of friends say Seagate/Maxtor are best avoided.