My Book Essential 3.0 only works in USB 2.0 ports and I can't update firmware

I had this problem (in fact I am still waiting for WD to reply) but I had a look in the bios and I found an option to use motherboard PNP or the OS PNP (plug and play). It was set up for the motherboard, and my “Elements” ext HD was not showing in USB  3; so I changed it to OS selection and it now shows in USB 2 and 3.

Might be worth a try - my mobo is an Asus.