I cannot find my WD external hard drive.  It has worked perfectly until today.  I checked the cords but still no luck.  Help!

I have a WD external hard drive that I have used for some time with no problems.  There is plenty of space left on it.  It is dividied in two with Time Machine and a personal section.  I backed it up yesterday after adding to it.  Today, when I plugged it into my computer, it is not listed as one of my devices and does not appear on my Desktop as usual.  The USB cord is firmly attached and lights up the drive box but I even changed to a new cord and it still does not work.  What can I do?  I am working on a project and need those files to continue!!!!

likely a dead SATA bridge card,  very common
verify on another Mac however
Never again be in a position of a single backup of vital data.       Ever.
see about your likely fault here:
Your dead external hard drive is likely fine! Great hope for your 'faulty' external HD

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