Is it ok NOT to have a cover over this hole

Hi! I bought an old PC and in it there was this 250GB HDD S-ATA drive:

  • SN: WCAV2N901244
  • MDL: WD2500AAJS-60Z0A0
  1. Did this drive have initially a cover over the hole shown in the picture and the previous owner removed it?
  2. Is it safe to use it without putting a duct tape over that hole?
  3. Is this a S-ATA 1 drive?

Thank you!
R

Yes it’s made that way. I have 500gb Blue same case. No cover on the outside of that hole.

Okay! Thank you very much!