WD Elements not recognized but passes tests, says I have to format device, what to do?

WD External Drives External Drives for PC
1

So I noticed a pin was broke on the USB input connection. I opened up the Elements cast and hooked it up to my SATA USB powered cable but it is not recognized

It states I need to “format” and that it does not contain a “recognized file system”

I used “crystalinfo” and it passed the test

2

Change the USB port (you could try connecting the external hard drive to the motherboard) or attach it using a different USB cable to see whether the WD external hard drive can be found or recognised by your PC.
You cannot access the stored data or even use the WD external hard drive on a PC when it becomes infected by a virus or malware.
In this instance, utilise CMD or antivirus software to remove any malware or viruses from your PC or WD external hard drive.

Turn USB Root Hub On to Make WD External Hard Drive Recognizable

  • Click Start > Type: devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
  • Open Device Manager > Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  • Right-click USB Root Hub > Click Properties > Power Management.
  • Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

You can fix the WD external hard drive not showing up by changing drive letter:

  • Go to the Disk Management.
  • Find your external hard drive and right-click it. Select Change Drive Letter and Path…
  • Assign a new letter to the external hard drive and save changes.
    Hope this help.