Your drive or device is not showing up? Start here.
This guide walks you through the most common causes and fixes, step by step. Most cases are resolved in a few minutes without needing to contact us.
If yes, do not format or initialize the drive if Windows or macOS prompts you to. That step can erase data that may still be recoverable. Skip any formatting steps below and contact us directly so we can help safely.
Step 1: Check the physical basics
These clear up more cases than you would expect.
Power (for docks, enclosures, and powered devices): Make sure the power adapter is firmly connected at both ends, the switch is on, and the power LED is lit. If the LED does not come on, try a different wall outlet.
Reseat the drive: Remove it from its bay or adapter, then re-insert it firmly so it makes solid contact.
Try a different cable: Swap in a different cable. If you are using USB-C, make sure it is a data cable, not a charge-only cable. Phone charger cables often look identical but will not transfer data. Shorter cables (under 1 meter) are more reliable.
Try a different port: On a desktop, use the ports on the back of the tower. On a laptop, try every available port, as power delivery varies between them.
Step 2: Check whether your computer detects the hardware
Windows
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Look under Disk drives and Universal Serial Bus controllers for your drive or a "USB Mass Storage Device" entry.
- Note any yellow exclamation marks next to entries.
If the drive does not appear at all, restart and check your BIOS/UEFI settings (press Delete or F2 during startup). If it is not listed there either, skip to Step 4.
If the drive appears with an error icon, right-click it, select "Uninstall device," disconnect the drive, and reconnect it. Windows will re-detect it fresh.
macOS
- Hold Option, click the Apple menu, and select System Information.
- Check under USB, NVMe, or Storage.
- Open Disk Utility and choose View > Show All Devices.
If the drive appears, continue to Step 3. If not, skip to Step 4.
Step 3: Drive is detected but files are not accessible
Open Disk Management on Windows (right-click Start) or Disk Utility on Mac.
No drive letter (Windows): This is the most common easy fix. Right-click the drive's partition, select "Change Drive Letter and Paths," click Add, pick a letter, and confirm. The drive should appear in File Explorer immediately.
"Unallocated" space (new drive only): Right-click the unallocated space, select "New Simple Volume," choose GPT if asked, and format as exFAT (cross-platform) or NTFS (Windows only). Only do this on a drive with no data to keep.
Shows 0 GB or appears and disappears: This usually points to a hardware issue. Continue to Step 4.
Step 4: Isolate the problem
This narrows down whether the issue is the drive, the Sabrent device, or your computer.
Test 1: If you have another drive, insert it into the same Sabrent enclosure or dock. If it works, the original drive is the issue. If it also fails, the Sabrent device needs attention.
Test 2: Connect the Sabrent device to a different computer. If it works there, the issue is on your original computer (driver or port configuration). If it fails on both, the device itself needs a warranty claim.
Common causes worth checking
Laptop on battery: Many laptops reduce USB power on battery. Plug your laptop into its charger while the device is connected. A powered USB hub is a permanent fix.
"Incorrect Function" error: Almost always an underpowered USB port on Surface and ultrabooks, not a defective device. Connect the laptop to its charger or use a powered USB hub.
USB power management (Windows): Open Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click each USB Root Hub, go to Properties > Power Management, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." Also disable USB Selective Suspend in Power Options > USB settings.
macOS sleep setting: Go to System Settings > Energy and turn off "Put hard disks to sleep when possible."
Still need help?
If you have worked through these steps and the drive still is not showing up, contact our support team. Let us know which steps you tried, your product model, and whether the drive holds important data. We will pick it up from where you left off.