So apparently, I might have avoided all this by pressing the reset button for 4 seconds? ( http://community.wdc.com/t5/Other-Network-Drives/How-can-I-confirm-my-WD-external-drive-has-failed/m-p/507760 ) Unplugging it to power cycle would not work? I am truly incensed now. I dismantled the case beyond repair thinking the chassis was hosed. I was far out of warranty coverage. Guess I will come here next time before panicking!