I've seen folk try to find USB and CD/DVD drivers where there were no updates. Be sure to test the drive on other PCs to be sure it's working.
If it is, then the fault is in this laptop. FOR A TEST you can boot a LiveCD and it should see the drive unless there is a hard fault with the laptop. Here's a PICTORIAL on that.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/
Bob
hello! i have a toshiba satellite A205-S4577 lap top that does not recognize my Simpledrive 250GB external hard drive. this had started when i upgraded to Windows XP service pack3. my external hard drive has the USB software to run the drive which makes me think its the laptop itself. ANY ideas or info would be greatly appreciated. I have tried automatic driver updates tells me there is not a better driver for external. tried to uninstall & reinstall.. no luck. tried to rollback driver ..no luck either. Even tried those "DRIVER UPDATE" programs..no luck PLEASE HELP. the external is maxed out with programs, drivers & music.... BUT obviously it cant help me now...

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