When trying to access a particular MyBook Essential 2TB USB 3.0 external HDD recently, I get a “F is not accessible, The request could not be performed because of a I/O device error” message. Files on the external HDD can be accessed normally for about 5-10 seconds after the USB cable is plugged into the PC before the message appears. My PC runs Windows Vista Home Basic with USB 2.0.
I’ve tried restarting Windows, using a different USB port, unplugging-replugging and using another USB cable, connecting it to another PC running Windows 7 but with no success. I also cannot access Scan Disk on Windows.
On one attempt using the PC with Windows Vista, I manage to access the external HDD and all files can be accessed normally, however, the same I/O error persists the next day when restarting the PC.
WD Data Lifeguard Diagnosis displays the SMART status of the external HDD as PASS. I’ve tried running a Quick Test twice but the test is stuck at the 90-95% mark after more than 20 minutes and the following message is displayed “03- Read SMART Attribute command error on drive 2!”
I can access another WD external HDD and other branded external HDDs with no problems.
Please advise. Thank you.
