IMac won't Boot using FireWire connection on external Hard Drive?

Hello,
I Have an iMac 24" 2.16ghz 3GB RAM with a 1Tb Western Digital external Hard Drive.
I'm running my iMac of an external Hard Drive as my internal drive is faulty. Currently this set up works best for me as i can 'piggy back' off the University's computers.
When i hit the option key on start up the computer doesn't 'see' the Hard Drive when it's connected via it's FireWire port. Using the USB port works fine.
I know the Hard Drive's FireWire connection works as i previously used it as a back up drive.
As i use Final Cut 7 as my main application working via USB isn't really a practical option..
Can anyone shed some light on what the issue might be?
Many thanks in advance!
Daniel

Try doing a SMC reset in additional to what Apple recommends in the following Apple Advice letter.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1151?viewlocale=en_US
SMC RESET
• Shut down the computer.
• Unplug the computer's power cord and all peripherals.
• Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
• Release the power button.
• Attach the computers power cable.
• Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Roger

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