External hard drive not visible.

When I plug in my external hard drive through a USB it doesn't show. I thought it was bad so bought a new one and it doesn't show up. Where can I find it?

Hi Jonhnie on the spot
*1. Check the System Profiler and Disk Utility to see if the External HD(s) are seen by the iMac*
For System Profiler Go to: Apple > About This Mac > More Info... in Hardware select USB.
For Disk Utility Go to: Applications > Utilities and open Disk Utility.
*2. Check Finder Preference settings*
With Finder on the Menu bar select Finder Preferences select the General tab and make sure that all the boxes are checked for Hard disk, External disk, etc. Then before you leave the Finder Preference panel select the Sidebar tab and make sure that all the boxes for Hard Disks, External Disks, etc. as well.
*3. Then if your iMac still does not see the Drive(s)*
Reset the iMac's System Management Controller > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1543
and then restart resetting the PRAM and NVRAM > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
*4. Test some other USB Device(s) on the same port(s) to see if they are working properly.*
Example: Mouse, iPod, Flashdrive, Camera, etc..
*5. Sorry, but I have to ask*
You are connecting the External HD(s) up to a port on the back of the iMac, not the keyboard right!
Let us know how it's going so far and will go from there.
Dennis

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I have had a good look through previous discussions and I can't seem to find an issue relevant to mine.
My external hard drive has 2 partitions (1 time machine back up, 1 general hard drive). The issue is that the HD is running when it is plugged in however it is not visible in either disk utility or finder.
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An update for anyone who can help me:
I have tried the external hard drive in other computers (mac and windows), each time I get the same problem above.
I have removed the HD from the enclosure and purchased a docking station for it (3.5" SATA). When I plug it in to the laptop it disconnects itself straight away before it is visible. With the windows computers it installs the drivers and says that the device is ready to use, then disconnects before it shows up.
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I have tried the external hard drive in other computers (mac and windows), each time I get the same problem above.
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