WD MyBook External USB Hard Drive Not Detected: Common Causes
If your WD MyBook External USB hard drive is not detected, don’t panic – this guide will help you understand what’s wrong and what to do next. Whether the drive was dropped, unplugged incorrectly, or simply stopped responding, it’s a frustrating situation. This article explains what causes these issues and how our in-house engineers can help recover your lost data quickly and safely.
What Causes WD MyBook Drives to Stop Working?
WD MyBook drives are popular for backing up photos, videos, and documents, but they come with built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption controlled by a USB-SATA bridge. If this USB board fails or is removed, the encrypted data becomes unreadable, even if the drive itself works. Common problems include:
- Dropping the drive from a desk or shelf
- Power surges damaging the controller board
- Clicking or beeping sounds from internal damage
- USB connector faults
- File system corruption or firmware issues
If your WD MyBook External USB hard drive is not detected by your computer, stop using it immediately to avoid making recovery harder.
Can Files Be Retrieved from a WD MyBook That’s Not Detected?
Yes. Even if your WD MyBook External USB hard drive is not detected, your files may still be intact. DIY fixes rarely work and often make things worse, especially due to the drive’s encryption. At Payam, we use specialised tools like PC-3000, DeepSpar Disk Imager, and donor parts to repair damaged MyBook drives, clone the encrypted data, and safely extract your files.
How Payam Recovers Files from WD MyBook Drives
We start with a free 1–2 day assessment. Once we identify the fault, you’ll receive a detailed quote. After approval, we begin recovery using:
- Encrypted disk cloning to avoid further damage
- Controller board repair or replacement with exact match
- Decryption using the original USB-SATA interface
- Sector-by-sector data extraction
- Final transfer to a working external drive
You’ll be kept updated throughout the process and receive your files securely. All work is done in our real Australian labs—not outsourced.
Why Trust Payam for WD MyBook File Recovery?
– Rachel T., Sydney
We’ve helped thousands recover critical files from a WD MyBook External USB hard drive not detected due to physical damage, power issues, and USB board faults.
- Australia’s oldest data recovery company since 1998
- 150,000+ successful recoveries
- 6 real labs across 5 states, not drop-off points
- ISO-certified Class-100 cleanroom for safe handling
- Over 2,000 verified 5-star reviews
- No outsourcing—100% in-house work by real engineers
- Trusted by 2,000+ IT companies and government departments
- More successful recoveries each year than any other provider in Australia
Read more testimonials from real customers.
WD MyBook Recovery Costs and Timeframes
File retrieval costs range from AUD 375 to 2000 for non-urgent jobs. Priority options speed things up. Costs depend on the issue: file system fixes are simpler, while hardware faults take more work. After a free 1–2 day assessment, we provide an exact quote for your approval. Recovery time ranges from 1–3 weeks, with faster options available.
Common Questions About WD MyBook Not Detected Issues
We specialise in difficult cases like a WD MyBook External USB hard drive not detected after a drop, power surge, or USB fault. Here are some answers:
- How long does recovery take? 1–3 weeks for most jobs, faster with priority service.
- What causes these failures? Drops, USB faults, power surges, or encryption board damage.
- Can I fix it myself? Usually not—most DIY attempts risk permanent data loss.
- Is my data safe? Yes. We maintain strict privacy and handle all devices in secure, cleanroom conditions.
Other Devices We Recover Data From
We also handle recovery from:
- WD MyPassport Ultra
- WD MyBook Duo
- WD Elements
- Seagate Backup Plus
- LaCie Rugged drives
- Samsung T5/T7 SSDs
- SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
- Apple Time Capsule drives
- External SSDs with USB-C
- Encrypted USB drives
Explore our full services: HDD recovery, SSD recovery, RAID recovery.
Ready to Recover Your WD MyBook Files?
Still have a WD MyBook External USB hard drive not detected? Don’t wait—get expert help today. Book a free assessment or call 1300 444 800. Abroad? Post your device to us. Real engineers. Real labs. Real results.
Our Labs Across Australia
- Sydney: Level 11, 65 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
- Rhodes: Ground Floor, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes, NSW 2138
- Melbourne: Level 11, 456 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
- Brisbane: Level 10, 95 North Quay, Brisbane, QLD 4000
- Adelaide: Level 24, 91 King William Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
- Perth: Level 28, AMP Tower, 140 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
We have physical labs with on-site engineers. No virtual offices or drop-off agents.