How do I use time machine to make a back up of my external hard drive

I'd like to use my AirPort Time Machine to backup from an external hard drive. How do I do that?
1) When I connect my LaCie 500 GB EHD direct via USB I don't see where I can acces it to transfer the files
2) When I connect my LaCie 500 GB EHB to my new MacBook Pro, it cannot get it removed from the 'ignore' list in the Time Capsule
Looking forward to any suggestions and I researched other questions but unfortunately unsuccessful until now.
Michiel

The drive needs to be formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and connected to the computer for Time Machine to be able to back it up.
(94266)

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